Criminal Defense Lawyers in Weston, WV
Criminal defense is what we do every week. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged, the first steps you take matter. Don't talk to police or investigators until you've talked to a lawyer.
Confidential consultation
Call (304) 269-9455 · Request a Consultation →
Charges We Defend
DUI / DWI: first offense, repeat offense, DUI causing injury, and license revocation
Drug Charges: possession, possession with intent, distribution, drug trafficking and conspiracy
Violent and Serious Felonies: armed robbery, robbery, burglary, assault, and weapons charges
Multiple-Indictment Cases: clients facing several indictments or charges at once
Domestic Violence: domestic battery and assault, and protective orders
Probation & Parole Violations
Misdemeanors, traffic offenses and driving on a revoked license
Serious Charges, Real Courtroom Experience
Our lawyers have handled hundreds of criminal cases. We have defended clients charged with drug trafficking, armed robbery, burglary and other serious felonies, including cases involving multiple indictments. We know how to investigate a case, challenge the evidence and stand up in court when the stakes are highest.
Courts We Appear In
Magistrate and circuit courts in Lewis, Harrison, Upshur, Braxton, Gilmer, Barbour and the surrounding counties across North-Central West Virginia.
What to Do If You've Been Arrested or Charged
Stay calm and be polite, but say: "I want to talk to a lawyer."
Don't answer questions, explain or "tell your side."
Don't post about the case on social media or discuss it on jail phones.
Call us. We can talk about bond, the charges and your next court date.
Charged With a Crime? Don't Talk to Police Until You Talk to Us.
Confidential consultation. Call (304) 269-9455
Recent Criminal Defense Results
Dismissed: domestic battery charge.
Dismissed: battery charge.
Reduced: two counts of possession with intent to deliver and three felony drug conspiracy counts reduced to a single count of possession with intent to distribute.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.
Criminal Defense FAQs
What happens after I'm arrested in West Virginia? After an arrest, you must be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. At this first appearance, the magistrate tells you the charges, explains your rights and sets bail (W. Va. R. Crim. P. 5). Misdemeanors are usually handled in magistrate court. In felony cases, there may be a preliminary hearing, and the case moves to circuit court if a grand jury returns an indictment.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor? It is strongly recommended. Many misdemeanors carry possible jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent record, and some, like DUI and domestic battery, carry consequences for your license or your right to own a firearm. A lawyer can look for problems with the stop, the search and the evidence, and can negotiate on your behalf.
Should I talk to the police? You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Be polite, but say you want to talk to a lawyer before answering questions.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? In West Virginia, a felony is an offense that can be punished by confinement in a state penitentiary. Other offenses are misdemeanors (W. Va. Code § 61-11-1). Felonies carry more serious penalties and longer-lasting consequences.
How does bail work? The magistrate or judge sets bail at your first appearance, which may be a personal recognizance bond or a cash or surety bond, with conditions you must follow. A lawyer can ask the court to lower bail or change the conditions.
Can my charges be dismissed or reduced? Sometimes. It depends on the facts and the evidence. We look for weaknesses in the State's case and push for a dismissal or a reduced charge when the facts support it. No lawyer can guarantee an outcome.
Can I get my record expunged? West Virginia allows expungement in some situations, such as certain charges that were dismissed or ended in acquittal, and some convictions after a waiting period (W. Va. Code §§ 61-11-25 and 61-11-26). Eligibility depends on the offense and your record, so ask us to review your case.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost? It depends on the charge and how complex the case is. We explain our fee in writing before we start, so there are no surprises.
What should I do if I'm charged with DUI? Call a lawyer quickly. DUI cases can affect both your criminal record and your driver's license, and there are deadlines. Learn more about DUI defense →
The answers above are general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Why King & Perone
Experience: hundreds of criminal cases, from DUI to armed robbery and drug trafficking.
Local: we know the courts, the procedures and how cases move in this region.
Straight answers: we'll tell you honestly where you stand and what your options are.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.
Charged With a Crime? Call Now.
(304) 269-9455 · 702 N. Main Ave., Weston, WV 26452 · Office hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.