Residents in West Virginia may be aware of the First Step Act, a recent federal step toward criminal justice reform. However, it is also important to be aware of the many actions currently underway in the state of West Virginia specifically that are aiming to improve...
Criminal Defense
How serious is trespassing in West Virginia?
Like many people, you may think trespassing is not too big of a deal, especially if you are younger or enjoy the activity known as urban exploring. However, you and other West Virginia residents should understand that entering private or commercial property without...
State files unique civil suit against diocese
Many people in West Virginia have watched as scandals surrounding sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic church have erupted across the nation and even the world. Certainly, it is important that children are protected but it is also important to note that not every...
DUI arrest results in dismissal of West Virginia state trooper
Most in Wheeling might expect some sort of consequence to accompany criminal charges. They might think, however, that such consequences will be exclusively limited to one's criminal case. Yet that may not always happen. Allegations of criminal activity can affect...
Can I really expunge a criminal record?
If you have ever been arrested in West Virginia, you know how important it is to understand who may have access to any records pertaining to this event. Even if you were never convicted and charges against you were dropped, it would be nice to know that the experience...
Finding a good job after a criminal conviction
People who live in West Virginia and who are looking for a new job know that they will likely have to compete with many other candidates to get the role they want. Employers will carefully review applications for experience and relevant education. They are also likely...
What does your breath say about what is in your blood?
It is common knowledge that the near-universal standard for determining drunkenness is a blood-alcohol content measurement of .08. Yet as you have likely noticed, law enforcement officials in Wheeling develop make their initial BAC recording using a breath...
Quartet rescued from Clear Creek mine facing criminal charges
A cliche often associated with criminal activity in Ohio County is that those involved "have been punished enough." While this is often said in an effort to justify a reduced penalty, there may be elements of truth to it. One of the basic tenants of criminal...
Understanding field sobriety tests
If you are like a lot of people in West Virginia, you might not fully understand what happens during a traffic stop that turns into an investigation for suspected drunk driving. Based on what you see in movies or on television shows, you might know that some type of...
How do you get a presidential pardon?
Following your conviction for a federal crime in Ohio County (and the subsequent payment of your debt to society), you will re-enter the community ready to enjoy the many rights and privileges you did previously. However, having a federal conviction on your record...