A child sexual abuse allegation can be one of the most devastating situations an individual can face. The mere accusation casts a dark shadow of suspicion and negative stigma that can instantly destroy reputations, careers, and relationships. What constitutes sexual abuse? In West Virginia, child sexual abuse is a serious offense that involves a variety of sexual acts committed against a minor. The law states that child sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, the following acts: Sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or sexual intrusion between a person and a child who is less than 16 years ..read more

You love your kids and you think they’re adorable – and watching them play together in the tub with their toys or bubbles is a real delight. It’s also something that could land you into serious trouble through allegations of creating and possessing “child pornography.” It’s happened all over the country Back in the 1960s, a judge named Potter Stewart famously declared that, while he couldn’t define obscene material exactly, “I know it when I see it.” Unfortunately, that’s the problem. What seems like nothing more than innocent photos of babies and toddlers in the buff during bath time or playt ..read more

Assault is a heavy word. It is a term that often conjures images of physical violence. But assault covers a wider range of actions than you might think. Here are some common misconceptions about assault and the legal repercussions that come with it. Myth #1: Assault requires physical injury Wrong. Assault can occur without a scratch. West Virginia law defines assault as the intentional threat or act that instills fear with the threat of immediate bodily harm. This can include threatening gestures, verbal threats, or unlawfully putting someone in a situation where they fear being hurt. Myth #2 ..read more

The family unit is as strong as the peace and safety within its walls. When domestic violence disrupts that peace, it can lead to irreparable harm, fracturing the foundation of trust and love that holds families together. While physical assault remains the most visible form of domestic violence, there are numerous other equally damaging forms, such as the following. Emotional abuse Domestic violence does not have to be physical. Emotional abuse, which includes manipulation, humiliation, constant criticism and controlling behavior, can cause deep psychological wounds that can be just as devasta ..read more

A child custody dispute can threaten your time and your relationship with your children. That’s why you must defend your parenting abilities and the contact you have with your kids. But if the other parent has filed a motion to modify custody or is trying to restrict your access to your kids, then you might be feeling stressed and overwhelmed trying to figure out how to protect your and your children’s interests. It can be especially challenging to find a path forward when the other parent is lobbing multiple allegations against you. If you’re struggling with your custody dispute, don’t worry ..read more

West Virginia can be a challenging route with its high traffic volumes and changing terrain, which can become dangerous if you’re unprepared. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles are part of reality, and safety is paramount for everyone. So, how can you navigate these mountains while minimizing the risk of accidents? Here are some trucker-tested tips: Know your limits Mountain roads are not places for complacency. Be honest with yourself about your experience and your capabilities. Feel free to reduce speed on sharp curves and descents. Remember that even cruise control might not anti ..read more

In any public gathering, emotions can run high – especially when alcohol is involved. Unfortunately, it only takes a few drinks before some people show the worst sides of themselves, especially when they’re inclined to be aggressive. You know you have the right to protect your home and family from intruders, thanks to the “Castle Doctrine,” but what are your rights to defend yourself in public? Every state is a little different. Here’s what you need to remember in West Virginia: West Virginia is a “stand your ground” state Under the law, if you have a lawful right to be in the space you are in ..read more

While many people do not talk about the dangers of dog ownership, the reality is that dog bites do happen.  Dog bites and other animal injuries can be misunderstood. It is important to learn about some common dog bite misconceptions:  Myth 1: All dogs have rabies  Truth: Dogs can have rabies. However, many dogs, especially ones who are not strays, are given rabies shots. This can protect victims of dog bites from contracting a serious illness. However, bites can still lead to infections and disease. It often depends on whether a dog had their shots and how an injury was treated ..read more

Let’s face it: even the most well-behaved dogs can have a difficult day. Sometimes, that could mean a bite, leaving you with a sore wound and a legal headache. Unlike other states, dog bite laws differ for West Virginia residents, especially about where the dog was when it bit you. Leashed vs unleashed: What’s the difference? If an unleashed dog is roaming in a public place, the owner is automatically liable for your medical bills and other damages. This is called strict liability. Think of it as a “no excuses” rule. If the dog is leashed or within the owner’s property, you need to prove the o ..read more

Sexual intimacy comes with a host of risks for the people involved in an encounter. The possibility of pregnancy and the risk of sexually transmitted illness make consent or voluntary participation in sexual acts important. Individual states across the country have established rules regarding when young adults are capable of consenting to sexual encounters with other people. The laws differ from state to state, which can lead to a lot of confusion. What is currently the age of consent for young adults in West Virginia? Older teenagers can legally consent According to current statutes on record ..read more