Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Charleston

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Criminal Defense Attorneys FAQs

Last updated: October 1, 2022

Barney Law PLLC

3744 Teays Valley Road, Suite 204, Hurricane, WV 25526

Barney Law PLLC is a law firm that handles criminal defense cases in Charleston. It represents clients against charges of murder, sexual abuse, assault, computer fraud, and DUI with injury. The law office also represents parties who have been convicted for serious crimes in habeas corpus actions. Before his private practice, Founder Mark Barney previously worked in a firm handling personal injury matters and was chosen as one of the top 100 personal injury attorneys by The National Trial Lawyers.

Carey, Scott, Douglas & Kessler, PLLC

707 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25323

The attorneys at Carey, Scott, Douglas & Kessler PLLC, a firm of criminal lawyers in Charleston, have more than 200 years of combined experience defending and advising clients accused of criminal behavior. They handle felony and misdemeanor cases relating to white-collar crimes, advocating for professionals and public officials accused of fraud, filing false tax returns, and embezzlement. The firm's attorneys practice in West Virginia's state and federal courts, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.

Carrico Law Offices LC

105 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301

Carrico Law Offices LC is a family firm of criminal justice attorneys in Charleston. Since 1965, its lead attorney, John B. Carrico, has been advising and defending clients accused of felonies and misdemeanors. The firm argues in West Virginia's state and federal courts for people charged with white-collar crimes, DUI, drug offenses, and sex crimes, including offenses involving the internet. Its attorneys include members of the Kanawha County and West Virginia Bar associations.

Forbes Law Offices PLLC

1118 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25301

Founded in 2001, Forbes Law Offices PLLC is a small team of criminal lawyers in Charleston that advises clients under investigation and defends those charged with crimes. The attorneys represent defendants in cases of theft, including robbery, burglary, and shoplifting. They also defend clients accused of DUI/DWI anywhere in West Virginia. Forbes Law Offices PLLC includes attorneys who are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the West Virginia Association for Justice.

John J. Balenovich Law Offices, LC

3818 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast, Charleston, WV 25304

John J. Balenovich Law Offices LC is a Charleston-based criminal defense firm. Mr. Balenovich has many years of experience handling the full spectrum of criminal cases, from DUI, tax fraud, and political corruption to drug offenses, rape, and capital murder. Attorney Balenovich is admitted to practice in West Virginia's state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District. He also practices family law, bankruptcy, and personal injury law.

Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC

707 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301

For more than 90 years, Kay, Casto & Chaney PLLC has been representing clients throughout West Virginia from its offices in Charleston and Morgantown. The firm practices various areas of law, including criminal law. Its attorneys have many years of experience handling pre-trial investigations, plea negotiations, and jury trials for clients accused of felonies and misdemeanors, such as domestic violence, crimes involving property, white-collar crime, DUI, aggravated assault, and drug-related offenses.

Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III

805 Bigley Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302

The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith III is a sole proprietorship located in Charleston, serving clients throughout the surrounding counties. Attorney Claude Smith has been defending people accused of felonies and misdemeanors for more than a quarter of a century. His experience includes crimes involving violence, such as domestic violence and aggravated assault, and crimes involving drugs, including DUI. Attorney Smith also practices family law, personal injury law, estate planning, and probate.

Pritt & Spano, PLLC

716 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV 25301

Pritt & Spano PLLC is a firm of criminal defense attorneys in Charleston with more than 20 years of experience defending those accused of criminal behavior. The attorneys have experience handling a range of felony and misdemeanor cases, including DUI/DWI and white-collar crimes, such as identify theft, fraud, and embezzlement. The firm's attorneys are members of the West Virginia Association for Justice. They are available 24/7 and also practice personal injury and family law.

Walters Law Firm, PLLC

16 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301

Walters Law Firm PLLC is a criminal defense law practice based in Charleston that represents clients in the counties of Putnam, Lincoln, Boone, Wayne, and Logan. Attorney Ron Walters has over 10 years of experience representing clients at all stages, from advising them during police investigations to defending them in court and appealing their sentences. He accepts cases relating to domestic violence, white-collar crimes, DUI, drugs, and crimes involving property.

Zerbe & Pence, PLLC

205 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301

Zerbe & Pence, PLLC, is a Charleston-based law firm that represents clients in diverse legal matters. Established in 2005, this company has a criminal defense lawyer who seeks to protect the rights of accused individuals. David R. Pence is well-versed in West Virginia's legal system, avoiding consequences such as imprisonment. He handles domestic battery, assault, shoplifting, public intoxication, and drug-related charges. Moreover, he uses case precedents. Zerbe & Pence, PLLC also deals with cases involving reckless driving, felonies, and social security claims.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

A: Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.

Q: Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

A: Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

Q: What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

A: All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

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