Beckley Criminal Defense Lawyer

Beckley Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal offenses are fiercely prosecuted in West Virginia, and being charged with a crime can be very stressful. If you are convicted, you could face time in jail or prison, significant fines, and a criminal record that impacts the rest of your life.

When you’re facing criminal charges, you need a strong, personalized Beckley criminal defense. An effective attorney can investigate your case and use their substantial resources to build your defense.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Future

Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC have handled many criminal cases, including both misdemeanor and felony charges. We know how stressful it is to face criminal charges. Our team provides you with compassionate support and helps you understand your rights. We review your options and give you straightforward information about the likely avenues for your defense.

As you face criminal charges, our team can guide you through each part of the process. Our attorneys have decades of legal experience and are known as dedicated litigators. We determine whether a negotiation with the prosecution is the right option or if your defense is better handled in court. We create the right defense to limit the charges against you or eliminate them entirely.

Our Areas of Practice in Criminal Defense in Beckley

There are many types of criminal cases, and it’s important that your attorney has experience in your types of charges. Different criminal cases have different defenses, unique needs for gathering evidence, and other legal requirements. Your case is likely to be more successful with an attorney who understands these differences.

At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we have worked on many different criminal defense cases, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Defense: It is illegal to operate your motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so puts you and others on the road in danger. A DUI conviction results in fines, a suspended license, and potential imprisonment.

You can be arrested and charged with a DUI for being under the influence, even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was not over the legal limit. DUIs are sentenced based on the severity of your BAC and your past history of DUIs. Aggravating factors that can increase the penalties include driving with a minor in the car or injuring or killing another person in an accident.

• Drug Offenses: There are many types of drug offenses, and the severity of the penalties relies on the type of offense, the type of controlled substance, and the amount of controlled substance present in the offense. It also relies on your past criminal record of drug offenses and other convictions. Even a simple possession charge can have a serious effect on your future. It’s important to have a skilled attorney for your defense.

• Theft Crimes: These may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. Theft crimes include petit and grand larceny, which are differentiated based on the value of items stolen. Certain white-collar crimes, like fraud and embezzlement, are also considered theft crimes.

Robbery is both a violent crime and a theft crime. Many people assume burglary is a theft crime, but this is not always the case. To be charged with burglary, you must only enter a location with the intent to commit a crime.

• Criminal Traffic Violations: Some traffic violations are non-criminal, but others, like hit-and-run accidents, driving with a revoked license, and reckless driving, may result in criminal charges. It’s important to have an attorney to limit the criminal and administrative consequences, such as losing your license.

• Violent Crimes: Violent crimes are any crimes involving the use or threat of force against the victim of the crime or others. This covers an array of crimes, such as battery, assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, rape, carjacking, manslaughter, and murder. Most violent crimes are charged as felonies, which can result in a year or more and up to life in prison, as well as fines.

• Weapons Offenses: Conviction of a weapons offense can result in imprisonment, fines, and the loss of your right to firearms. Weapons offenses may be the commission of other crimes with the use of a deadly weapon. Other offenses include possession as a felon or carrying a firearm in a location in which is not allowed.

• White-Collar Crimes: These are financial crimes, typically committed by employees or owners of businesses, which can be under the jurisdiction of state or federal courts, depending on the circumstances of the crime. White-collar crimes include many types of fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and conspiracy. They require skilled attorneys who understand the complexity of white-collar crime cases and how to apply the right defense to your situation.

No matter what charges you face, an experienced and diligent attorney is crucial to defend your rights and protect your future. Criminal charges can harm the rest of your future, and the most effective way to avoid this is to have skilled legal representation.

How Much Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Virginia?

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in West Virginia can vary significantly. Lawyers may charge a retainer fee, an hourly fee, or a flat fee.

The cost of a criminal defense attorney relies on many unique factors about your case and the lawyer you are hiring. These include:

• The severity of the charges and penalties you face
• The complexity of your case, such as if significant resources like investigators and professional witnesses are needed
• The skill, experience, and success rate of your attorney
• Whether or not your case is expected to go to trial
• The attorney’s fee structure for criminal defense cases

Discuss fees with a potential attorney prior to hiring them to ensure you can afford their services throughout the length of your case.

Strong Criminal Defense in Beckley

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime, it is important that you secure legal defense as soon as you can. The sooner you contact our team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, the sooner we can ensure your rights are respected throughout the arrest and booking process and begin to determine the ideal defense for the charges you face.