Morgantown Violent Crime Lawyer

Morgantown Violent Defense Attorney

Facing a violent crime charge in Morgantown, West Virginia, has the ability to turn your entire world upside down. No matter the nature of your violent crime charge, having a Morgantown violent crime lawyer on your side can prove essential.

At Crowe Law, LLC, we are committed to serving our clients and offering them the greatest chance at the successful outcome they desire from their criminal case. We have the experience necessary with the local court system, the judges, and the prosecutors that will offer our clients an upper hand in all legal proceedings and negotiations. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Morgantown, trust us to defend you.

Defining Violent Crime in Morgantown, West Virginia

In 2023, the FBI reported there were 84 incidents of violent crime in Morgantown, West Virginia. There is a wide range of charges that can constitute a violent crime in Morgantown, West Virginia, including the following:

• Manslaughter. In West Virginia, voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being. This crime can be punishable with three to 15 years in prison. If you are found to be guilty of involuntary manslaughter, you could face fines totaling up to $1,000, a year of jail time, or a combination of both. In a manslaughter case, having a criminal defense attorney is vital.
• Homicide and murder. In West Virginia, if you are convicted of murder in the first degree, there is a good chance that you can face a life sentence when it comes to prison. For murder in the second degree, you can face no less than 10 years to no more than 40 years in prison. With so much at stake, it is vital that you turn to an attorney.
• Abortion. In West Virginia, it is now illegal to have an intentional abortion or the intentional miscarriage of a child after 20 weeks of gestation, with a few exceptions. This is now considered a felony offense, and an individual could face three to 10 years in prison.
• Robbery. If an individual commits robbery in West Virginia, they could face up to 10 years in state prison. With so much time on the line, having an attorney on your side is vital.
• Battery. When an individual is found guilty of causing physical injury to another human being through the use of force or violence, they can face up to one year in jail, a fine totaling no more than $500, or a combination of both.
• Domestic violence. Individuals who are found guilty of domestic violence in West Virginia could face up to six months in jail and fines totaling up to $100 for instances of domestic assault.
• Assault. If an individual is convicted of assault in Morgantown, West Virginia, they could face a jail sentence of up to six months, a $100 fine, or a combination of both. Assault occurs when someone violently injures another.
• Human trafficking. In West Virginia, human trafficking is considered to be a felony offense and is punishable by anywhere from three to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $200,000, or a combination of both.
• Kidnapping. Both convictions of kidnapping and abduction are considered to be felony offenses in West Virginia. These offenses can see convicted individuals facing three to 10 years in prison and substantial financial fines.

Defenses for Morgantown Violent Crime Charges

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Morgantown, West Virginia, it is vital that you seek the legal representation of an attorney who can review the details of your case and help determine what the right legal course of action and defense fits your case. The most common defenses for violent crimes include:

• That you were acting in self-defense or in the defense of another
• That you have an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime
• That you were acting under coercion or duress
• That you lacked the intent to commit the crime
• That you do not have the mental capacity to understand the results of your actions

FAQs

Why Do I Need an Attorney in WV?

When you are arrested and charged with a violent crime in West Virginia, it is vital to retain the services of an attorney. Your attorney can protect your rights and interests in your case, help uncover evidence to support your defense and advocate for your innocence before a judge and jury.

How Long Can a Violent Crime Case Take?

It can be difficult to offer an exact time frame as to how long your violent crime case might take in Morgantown, West Virginia. This is due to the fact that there are many variables involved in these cases, which can impact the overall timeline. These variables include the complexity of the case itself and the availability of the evidence.

What Percentage of Violent Crimes Are Rape in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, according to an FBI report from 2019, the percentage of rape offenses was about 13.3% of all violent crimes which took place in the state. If you are charged with this violent crime, you may feel as though your case is hopeless, but the team at Crowe Law, LLC, is here to do everything in our power to ensure you don’t become just another statistic.

What Are the Personal Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction?

In West Virginia, when an individual is charged with a violent crime, the penalties that they face can go beyond prison time or fines. You may also face several personal consequences, including the loss of your employment or housing, along with difficulty finding new employment or housing, and the loss of personal relationships.

Speak with an Experienced Morgantown Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Morgantown, West Virginia, now is not the time to try and defend yourself. Instead, turn to the experienced and trusted legal team at Crowe Law, LLC today. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation.