Morgantown Felony Lawyer

Morgantown Felony Attorney

Morgantown is a vibrant, bustling hub nestled in West Virginia, and it is also home to West Virginia University. The city is alive with energy, from the exciting nightlife along High Street to the football games held at Milan Puskar Stadium. However, if a simple night out quickly turns wrong, leading to a misunderstanding or mistake, your entire life can be uprooted thanks to felony criminal charges. In situations like this, you need a Morgantown felony lawyer.

At Crowe Law, LLC, our attorney has years of experience in fighting for the rights and futures of our clients. Felonies are serious criminal charges, and the state does not take their prosecution lightly. You deserve legal counsel and representation who understands the legal landscape of Morgantown. They can use their knowledge of the local court systems, judges, and prosecutors to bolster your defense. Trust Crowe Law, LLC, to fight for you today.

Felony Charges in Morgantown, WV

Morgantown is the seat of Monongalia County, West Virginia. In 2021, this county saw nearly 400 criminal case filings, 350 of which were for felony charges. In Morgantown, there is a wide range of felony charges an individual can be arrested for. These charges are governed under Chapter 61 of the West Virginia Code and involve all crimes that can be punished with a state prison sentence. Common felonies include:

Murder

There are two degrees of murder in West Virginia. First-degree murder is the act of premeditated, malicious, and deliberate killing. This can include a murder that takes place during a kidnapping, an act of arson, robbery, or an incident of sexual assault.

Second-degree murder, however, involves the killing of another person that is not premeditated but was still done with malice.

Voluntary Manslaughter

In West Virginia, voluntary manslaughter occurs when an individual intentionally kills another human being during a moment of passion or emotional distress. One example might include a husband killing a wife in an act of rage after learning that the wife has been unfaithful.

Rape

In West Virginia, rape is broken down into two possible charges. A charge of first-degree sexual assault can occur when an individual forces another person to have sex through the use of or threat of using a deadly weapon. It can also be charged if the perpetrator inflicts serious physical injury or harm upon the victim during the act.

A charge of second-degree sexual abuse can arise when a victim is allegedly forced to have sex with another without offering their consent.

Robbery

In Morgantown, a charge of robbery can arise if an individual is allegedly guilty of taking an item from a victim with the use or threat of force or violence. This means that the item in question must be taken directly from either the victim or an area that is under their control, such as their home or vehicle.

Kidnapping

In West Virginia, you can be charged with an act of kidnapping if you have allegedly and unlawfully taken another person against their will, confined them, or transported them. This might involve other behaviors like physical force, the use of threats, or deception. Kidnapping can arise in a variety of situations, such as interfering with the custody rights of another parent or holding an individual for ransom.

Arson

This charge can arise if an individual is found guilty of willfully and maliciously setting fire to or burning any building or structure, either belonging to themselves or another.

Malicious Assault

This charge can arise when an individual is allegedly guilty of shooting, stabbing, wounding, cutting, or otherwise causing another individual to suffer bodily harm and injury, with the intent to disfigure, disable, or maim the victim.

Common Morgantown Felony Defenses

Depending on the nature and circumstances surrounding your felony arrest in Morgantown, several defense strategies might prove useful in your case. Your attorney can review the details of your case, gather evidence in support of your innocence, and implement one of the following defense strategies:

• Having an alibi for the time when the felony crime allegedly took place
• Acting in self-defense or in the defense of others
• Receiving the consent of the alleged victim
• Having your constitutional rights violated

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for a Felony in West Virginia?

Depending on the nature and severity of your felony in West Virginia, there can be several penalties involved. For example, you may face lengthy state prison sentences. In fact, since 2000, West Virginia has seen an 82% increase in the state prison custody population. Other penalties can include harsh financial fines and probation.

Can I Defend Myself Against a Felony?

It is not advised to defend yourself in a felony case. In fact, it is wise, instead, to trust an attorney to handle your case on your behalf. The state’s prosecutors take these crimes very seriously, and you do not want to go up against them unprepared. Your attorney can review your case and build a strong defense based on the facts of your situation.

How Long Does a Felony Case Take in WV?

How long it might take a felony case to resolve in the West Virginia court system varies. There are often several variables involved in these cases, which can impact the overall timeframe. These can include the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and the current caseload of the courts.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Morgantown?

In most DUI cases, the crime will be charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are some circumstances in which these charges will be elevated to a felony. These might include having an exceedingly high blood alcohol concentration, being charged with a third DUI crime, or killing another individual during the drunk driving incident.

Consult a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer Today.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense in Morgantown, now is the time to speak with an attorney. Your very future is at stake, and it is vital that you retain the counsel and representation of an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney. Contact the offices of Crowe Law, LLC, today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our legal services.