West Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer

West Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney

Aggressive Legal Representation in Lewisburg, Beckley, & Charleston

If you are facing charges in West Virginia, you need an experienced West Virginia criminal defense lawyer who understands local courts in Charleston, Beckley, and Lewisburg. Prosecutors and law enforcement take every offense seriously, and without a skilled criminal attorney on your side. These consequences can include jail or prison sentences, heavy fines, long probations, and other court-ordered restrictions and programs that can have a dramatic effect on your life and that of your family.

A criminal conviction will also land you with a permanent criminal record that can be accessed by future employers, landlords, and other entities that can hamper future opportunities. In the face of these repercussions, you need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we can help you understand your rights and options in all levels of criminal matters. We have a strong background of successful results in fighting for clients accused of both misdemeanor and felony crimes of all types. Our team understand the high stakes, stress, and uncertainty surrounding criminal charges.

We will thoroughly investigate your case so that we can build the most effective strategy for negotiations with prosecutors or fighting on your behalf before a judge and jury. Throughout all stages of your case, we will be by your side working as your dedicated advocate in pursuing the best possible result.

West Virginia Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC handles a wide variety of criminal charges including:

• Expert DUI Defense Strategies

  DUI (driving under the influence) is a very serious charge that can result in jail time, harsh fines, a driver’s license suspension, and rehabilitation requirements. Our firm is dedicated to investigating all aspects of your case, from Breathalyzer results and machinery defects to violations of police procedures and of your civil rights.

• Comprehensive Drug Crime Defense

  These are among the most common crimes prosecuted in the state. They can range from misdemeanors to felonies involving drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and more along with the compounds used to make controlled substances. A drug crime attorney can assist with cases involving possession, sales, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation, and trafficking. Penalties are dictated by the type and amount of drugs found, the nature of the drug activity, prior convictions, and other factors.

• Theft and Property Crime Legal Defense

  These can range from petit larceny to grand larceny (theft of property valued at $1,000 or more), burglary, robbery, embezzlement, credit card fraud, writing bad checks, and more. They are charged as misdemeanors as well as felonies depending on the crime.

• Traffic Violation Defense Services

  These can range from speeding to running red lights, careless driving, reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked license, hit and run, and more. They can result in demerit points added to your driving record, fines, and, in some cases, incarceration.

• Violent Crime Defense Representation

  These crimes involve the use of force or threat of force against others. They include assault and battery, rape, kidnapping, manslaughter, and murder. A large majority of violent crimes are charged as felonies carrying years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

• Weapons Charge Defense Tactics

  These can be violations of state and federal laws regarding firearms and other deadly weapons. Examples include carrying a gun in an unlawful place, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing a concealed firearm without a permit, brandishing a deadly weapon, firing a weapon near a crowd or building, and more.

• White Collar Crime Defense Solutions

  White-collar criminal matters need to be handled by a savvy, insightful lawyer who has a full understanding of these types of charges and cases. They can be complex and handled in state or federal court. From fraud to embezzlement, conspiracy to forgery, our firm can leverage additional professionals to support our defense of your rights.

Why Choose Our West Virginia Criminal Defense Team?

Facing any kind of criminal charge can be a life-changing event. These charges call for the services of a trusted and proven defender who knows the laws, the system, and how to build effective defenses that will minimize the negative consequences of a conviction. Our team is dedicated to providing you with strong representation every step of the way.

We regularly represent clients in the Kanawha County Circuit Court, Greenbrier County Circuit Court, Raleigh County Circuit Court, and surrounding Magistrate Courts that handle preliminary hearings and misdemeanor matters. We also assist with appeals before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after being arrested in West Virginia?

If you are arrested in West Virginia, the most important step is to invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer police questions, explain your side, or sign any statements without legal counsel present. After the arrest, you will go before a Magistrate Court for your initial appearance where bail and charges are addressed. A skilled West Virginia criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the charges, protect your rights, and begin building a defense strategy right away.

Can I avoid jail time for a first offense in West Virginia?

Possibly — it depends on the charge, the facts of the case, and your criminal history. For many first-time offenders, West Virginia offers alternatives such as deferred adjudication, pretrial diversion, probation, substance-abuse treatment requirements, or community service instead of jail. However, some offenses—especially violent crimes or high-level felonies—carry mandatory penalties. An experienced defense attorney can review whether your case qualifies for reduced sentencing or non-incarceration options under WV Code Chapters 61 and 62.

How does the criminal court process work in West Virginia?

Most criminal cases begin in Magistrate Court with an initial appearance and, for felonies, a preliminary hearing. Felony cases then move to Circuit Court, where arraignment, motions, plea negotiations, and trial take place. If you are convicted, you may have the right to appeal your case to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, the state’s highest court. Throughout each stage, your attorney works to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome.

West Virginia Criminal Law Resources

• West Virginia Crime Rate by City

West Virginia Criminal Law Legal Resources

• Public Defender Services of WV
• Circuit Courts – West Virginia Judiciary
• WV Code § 61-11-1 – Classification of Offenses