Morgantown Criminal Defense Lawyer

Morgantown Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing a criminal charge in Morgantown, West Virginia, can shake your entire world and threaten your employment at local places like Mylan Pharmaceuticals or your classes at West Virginia University. It can even affect your place in the community and keep you from enjoying events like the Morgantown Farmers Market. If you are facing disorderly conduct charges or have been accused of drug trafficking, a Morgantown criminal defense lawyer is here to help.

Crowe Law, LLC, works to advocate for any individual who is facing a criminal charge in Morgantown. Whatever your case might entail, we are here to fight for you with a strong legal defense strategy. We are committed to securing the most favorable outcome available in your case and approach each case with compassion and dedication. Trust Crowe Law, LLC, to do whatever it takes to secure your rights and future freedoms in West Virginia.

Common Criminal Charges in Morgantown, West Virginia

In Morgantown, West Virginia, the overall crime rate is 17.4% higher than the national average. The most common criminal charges seen in Morgantown include the following:

• DUI charges. When an individual in Morgantown operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can be charged with a DUI or a driving under the influence crime. These crimes occur when an individual is operating their vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A successful conviction for this crime can result in the offender facing jail time and fines.
• Drug crimes. In 2021, 419 individuals in West Virginia were admitted to hospitals for heroin use and 220 for methamphetamine use. When an individual possesses, creates, distributes, or cultivates drugs, this can result in drug crime charges. The penalties involved will depend on the substance and action associated with the crime. Drugs, such as marijuana, will have lesser penalties than cocaine.
• Assault. There are several kinds of violent crimes in Morgantown, including those for assault. Assault can occur when an individual takes a forceful action or threat against you. In cases where an individual is convicted of assault, they may face a loss of their freedoms due to harsh prison sentences.
• Theft charges. In Morgantown, there are several forms of theft that can occur. Larceny happens through various kinds of fraud, such as embezzlement. Stealing is also a serious offense in West Virginia, along with any form of seizing the services or goods of another individual through false claims.
• Firearms charges. While the United States Constitution and the laws of West Virginia allow almost anyone to possess a firearm, there are instances where the act of owning or bearing a firearm is actually illegal. If you carry a gun into an illegal area or are an individual prohibited from owning such an item, such as a convicted felon, you can be charged with firearm crimes.
• Sex crimes. In Morgantown, any act of unwanted or unwelcome sexual contact, intercourse, prostitution, indecent exposure, or pornography can result in sex crime charges. These can damage your reputation on both a personal and professional level and a defense attorney is vital if you hope to protect yourself against harsh criminal penalties like jail time.

Finding a Defense Attorney

At your first available opportunity, you should reach out to a trusted criminal defense attorney. Their support and knowledge will be invaluable as you navigate the criminal justice system. However, finding the right attorney can be difficult. In 2024, there were 4,600 practicing attorneys in West Virginia. Sifting through these attorneys to find a criminal defense lawyer with relevant experience can be difficult. Narrowing down the list can help simplify the choice.

Consider reviewing the following things to find your defense attorney:

• Website. A defense attorney’s website can offer valuable insight into the types of cases they see, as well as their history of success. You may also see information about their priorities and how they treat their clients. You can explore the attorney’s tone and specific practice areas on their website.
• Personal referrals. Speak with family and friends to see if there are any local defense attorneys they do or do not recommend based on their experiences. Their personal reference can help you determine if their recommendation should go on your shortlist to consider.
• Online reviews. When reading online reviews for attorneys, look for reviews acknowledging things that are important to you, such as availability and compassion. This will give you valuable insight into how the firm’s legal team operates and whether you believe you could work well with them.

After you have narrowed the list, you’ll want to interview each of your options. It will be helpful to write down the questions you would like to have answered during the interview, such as preferred communication type, how experienced the attorney is with cases similar to yours, and their fee arrangement. It will also be important to find an attorney who communicates well, as there will be many important discussions as you move forward with your case.

Defending Morgantown Criminal Charges

At Crowe Law, LLC, we have years of experience defending against all kinds of criminal charges in West Virginia. We can review your case and help determine the right course of legal defense to take. Defenses can include:

• DUI defense. Common defense strategies for DUI charges can include calling into question the legality of the traffic stop that resulted in your arrest or calling into question the accuracy of any chemical tests performed.
• Drug crime defense. Your attorney can implement various defense strategies in your drug crimes case, depending on the nature of the case. Common defenses might include proving that the drugs weren’t actually yours or that the drugs involved were obtained through an illegal search and seizure.
• Assault. In some instances, physically touching someone and causing harm is justified. Self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property are all potential strategies to use if you have been accused of assault. The defense team may also be able to show a lack of intent, a false accusation, or insufficient evidence.
• Theft. Potential defenses for theft charges include a lack of intent, a claim of ownership if you genuinely believed you had a right to the property, or consent if the owner of the property allowed you to use it. The defense may also attempt to show that the prosecution has overvalued the property.
• Firearms. Firearm charges are serious, but there are still routes to build a strong defense. Potential options, depending on your situation, include lack of intent, mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure, and possession under duress.
• Sex crime defense. Defense strategies for sex crimes will ultimately depend on the nature of the crime itself, but can include a mistaken identity or a lack of evidence in the prosecution’s case against you. Though it is estimated to occur in 2-8% of cases, false accusations may be a potential defense to explore.

FAQs

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are under investigation for a crime. Some people may be worried that doing so will only make them look guilty, but having an attorney on your side who can look out for your interests and protect your rights is vital.

What Are the Penalties for a Crime in Morgantown?

Depending on the nature and severity of your crime, you might face several penalties for a criminal conviction in Morgantown. Common penalties can include jail or prison time, large fines, probation, restitution payments, or community service. You may also lose your employment or housing, depending on the nature of the crime.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in West Virginia?

It can be difficult to offer a time frame as to how long a criminal case might take in West Virginia. This is due to the fact that there are several variables often involved in these cases, which can impact the overall timeline. These variables can include the complexity of your case, the availability of evidence, and the court schedule.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in the U.S.?

While most lawyers will base their costs on their own experience level and the complexity and duration of your case, it is important to keep in mind that sometimes, it is not all about the money. Instead, having a skilled defense lawyer by your side could be all that you need to avoid facing jail time.

Speak with a Trusted Morgantown Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

In 2022, there were more than 28,000 arrests in West Virginia. This amounts to immense experience for law enforcement and prosecutors, allowing them to hone strategies to make arrests and convictions. You must aggressively fight back to protect your rights and reach a favorable outcome, but successfully facing the criminal justice system without a knowledgeable defense attorney is almost impossible.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Morgantown, now is the time to seek the legal assistance of an attorney. Contact the office of Crowe Law, LLC, today to learn more about our services and to schedule your free consultation.