Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My boyfriend was arrested for felony possession in West Virginia, with claims of constructive possession and intent to distribute. He was arrested in a house with a confidential informant (CI) who was found to have drugs on his person but was still released from custody. No drugs were found on my... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
The situation you're describing raises several potential legal issues that could help your boyfriend's case. Your first priority should be getting responsive legal representation - consider requesting a new public defender or hiring a different attorney who has experience with drug cases... View More
I'm concerned about being prosecuted if I testify as a witness in a criminal trial in Charlestown, West Virginia. My friend is accused of being a drug dealer because he had drugs in his possession and expensive items like a 2024 Shelby Baja, gold bars, jewelry, and cash. He doesn't have... View More
My ex-wife made false statements to her attorney, alleging that I inappropriately touched the children. Her lawyer documented this in a legal document without demanding proof. My lawyer requested proof, but none was provided. These false statements forced me to defend myself to my own attorneys.... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
False statements in legal proceedings can potentially lead to accountability, though the specific remedies depend on several factors including jurisdiction, context, and the nature of the statements. In some cases, making knowingly false statements in legal documents could constitute defamation,... View More
I am seeking a pro bono attorney to help me file a claim for an elective share in my husband's estate. He passed away on August 15, 2024, and his estate, valued at $430,087.83, went into probate on October 10, 2024. His daughter is the executrix, and the estate is still open. I'm unsure... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
You may have busted the SOL. Consult with a WV attorney today about demanding an elective share from the Estate.
The mother of a 1-year-old child is terminally ill with stage 4 cancer and is insisting on a 50/50 custody arrangement between her family and the child's father after her passing. Currently, there are no existing custody agreements, and the child primarily lives with the mother while the... View More
I was offered a truck driving job and was informed by a recruiter that my felony conviction, which is over 10 years old, did not matter. I was approved based on my work history verification. However, just as I was about to head to training, the company stated that my felony conviction disqualified... View More
I'm facing two counts of drug trafficking and have a co-defendant in the case. My lawyer said that the prosecution wants to try my co-defendant first to secure a conviction and prevent me from providing information that might help his case. Is it common for the prosecution to proceed this way,... View More
I recently established residence in a house in West Virginia and paid the 2024 real property taxes. There is no formal agreement with the property owner, but the property was vacant. I have been living there continuously. How can I either get reimbursed for the taxes I paid or obtain rights to the... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2025
You do not get paid back. Getting the tax officials to get it up for a tax sale might be advantageous. But you need to search the title first, and might need legal advice about it.
I live in public housing in West Virginia and have been harassed and stalked by two tenants who live illegally in the apartment above me for seven months. I have video evidence of stalking and voice recordings that suggest illegal residency. Despite numerous complaints, the management and HUD have... View More

answered on Mar 27, 2025
You might consider filing a complaint under the Fair Housing Act with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, as they handle discrimination and harassment cases in housing. Your documentation of emails, videos, and recordings creates a strong evidence trail that will help establish a pattern of... View More
I'm an international student in West Virginia and am wondering if it's legal for me to use Bitcoin. Additionally, I am concerned about whether using Bitcoin might impact my visa or immigration status. Could you provide guidance on both the legality and any potential immigration implications?

answered on Feb 18, 2025
Using Bitcoin is legal in West Virginia and throughout the United States. As an international student, you can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies without breaking any state or federal laws.
However, when it comes to your visa status, there are important considerations to keep in mind.... View More
Is it legal for my boss the owner of the company to read personal text messages from me and my dad’s personal cell phones just because somehow my dad’s phone got linked to the main office computer? (They fired me over the messages)We both work for the company and he told me that my main... View More

answered on Feb 10, 2025
It is generally illegal for your employer to read your personal text messages between you and your father if they are on your personal cell phones. Employers typically do not have the right to access personal communications on personal devices unless you voluntarily give them access or there is a... View More
They literally destroyed the cameras inside my apartment once they realized the where being recorded and the outdoor cameras also can I have any evidence suppressed because of this? If so can you please tell me the cases? I was told because this was a criminal case it couldn't be.

answered on Jan 5, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about what happened during the search of your apartment. If the police destroyed your cameras without following proper legal procedures, there might be grounds to challenge the admissibility of the evidence they obtained.
Evidence can sometimes be suppressed if... View More
Are never arrested for violations of the PSO. I have video evidence and 72 calls to 911 that are not getting responded too because the officers don’t want them to be arrested . Recently even with the video evidence they demanded I have before even calling 911 now they continue to put my life in... View More

answered on Jan 6, 2025
I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation. It sounds like you may be dealing with potential police misconduct and violations of your personal safety order. This could involve civil rights violations, obstruction of justice, and possibly harassment or intimidation by law enforcement... View More

answered on Nov 11, 2024
Assuming the owners are tenants in common, either can possess and/or improve the property. But any improvement is permanent affixed to land and is owned by both tenants. Hire a WV attorney to search the title and advise accordingly.
Against the police not even civil rights or misconduct complaints. is there a certain practice I should look for when looking for an attorney to represent me? is there an attorney out of state I can help in this area?

answered on Oct 31, 2024
You should look for an attorney with experience in civil rights, police misconduct, or administrative law. These areas of practice are relevant to ethics complaints against law enforcement. Check local bar association directories or online legal directories to find lawyers who handle similar cases.... View More
That happened to him and his wife. Is it also the violation of Nepotism and private gain ?
Is this private gain using office equipment and supplies to do so and work on personal projects? Or Nepotism by the deputy and or agency by not being impartial to his immediate family member? And... View More

answered on Oct 29, 2024
You’re right to see a conflict of interest when a deputy investigates a crime involving themselves and their spouse. This situation can compromise the fairness and objectivity needed in such investigations. It’s important for the integrity of the process that those involved remain unbiased.... View More
911 was called, and was hit upside the head with a baseball bat and knocked unconscious. When 911 arrived female deputy was to document &report victim injuries & take photos & resources. This deputy was neighbors with the offender and for over 10 years. She did not take any photos or... View More

answered on Oct 29, 2024
Yes, the actions you described could potentially violate ethical standards for law enforcement in Kanawha County. If a deputy neglected her duty to document and report a violent crime, especially due to a personal relationship with the offender, it raises serious concerns about impartiality and... View More
His own families investigation? His wife vehicle was broken into and he investigated and threatened people for answers and to make statements on recording, he towed vehicles and went in houses with no warrant . His coworker reports mentioned him In Their report of the investigation. He falsely... View More

answered on Oct 28, 2024
Yes, what you’re describing appears to be a clear conflict of interest and likely violates the Ethics Act. When a deputy uses their position to investigate matters involving their own family, it compromises their objectivity and the integrity of their role. This misuse of authority can undermine... View More
Disabled and uneducated in the Law. I’m getting lost in the judicial system and I believe purposely while I’m being abused by deputy’s and they let criminals violent abuse me even with a protective order , abused by deputy family member , charged w crime bc I reported this happening to me and... View More

answered on Oct 29, 2024
I'm really sorry you're going through this. In Kanawha County, you can reach out to the West Virginia Legal Aid for assistance with your case. They provide free legal services to those who qualify and can help guide you through the process.
Another option is to contact the Kanawha... View More
Answered my 911 call for assault & vehicle theft. The deputy informed me that the SD would no longer help me when I call emergency services because I make them lose their cases and the Supreme Court of appeals would never disagree with him or their decision . Since then I have placed over 130... View More

answered on Oct 29, 2024
I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. The actions you've described, including threats, harassment, and retaliation by a deputy sheriff, may violate ethical standards and legal protections meant to ensure your safety and rights.
You should consider... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.