State of West Virginia vs. John Doe 002: Wood County Case No. 24-F-XXX
Sep 30, 2025
OUTCOME: Dismissed by State through aggressive negations
In this case, my client was charged with Sexual Assault in the First Degree against two different minor victims. Additionally, there was a companion Abuse and Neglect Case in Wood County. We won the Ab...use and Neglect Case, which was dismissed as the Court found no abuse or neglect. Then, through aggressive negotiations, the criminal case was dismissed.
Drug Crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Lindsey Marie Lucas: Wood County Case No. 24-F-256
Apr 15, 2025
OUTCOME: Not Guilty
My Client was accused of a Failure to render aid in a drug overdose. I strategically filed pre-trial motions, and through skilled trial advocacy, I was able to get a not guilty verdict.
Sex crime
The State of West Virginia vs. John Doe 001: Wood County Case No. 23-F-XXX
Feb 04, 2025
OUTCOME: Not Guilty / Expunged
John Doe is a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the individual following the expungement of his charges.
He faced multiple serious allegations, including:
Count One: Sexual Assault in the ...Second Degree
Count Two: Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, Custodian, or Person in Position of Trust
Count Three: Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
Count Four: Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, Custodian, or Person in Position of Trust
Count Five: Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
Count Six: Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, Custodian, or Person in Position of Trust
Count Seven: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree
Count Eight: Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, Custodian, or Person in Position of Trust
Count Nine: Incest
On December 4, 2024, a mistrial was declared due to an inability to seat a jury resulting from defense strikes. The trial resumed on February 4, 2025, and I am pleased to report that we received a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Violent crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Fredrick Harold Lawson: Wood County Case No. 16-F-132
Oct 04, 2016
OUTCOME: Not Guilty of Malicious Assault; guilty of a misdemeanor
The client was charged with a Malicious Assault and was looking at a sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison. Through skilled trial advocacy, the client was found not guilty of malicious assault but found ...guilty of a misdemeanor.
Violent crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Betty Jean Beck; Wood County Case No. 14-M54M-1618
Apr 29, 2016
OUTCOME: Not Guilty of Battery
Ms. Beck was charged with a battery and we proceeded to trial. The jury acquitted her.
Violent crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Larry Gale Owens: Wood County Case No. 14-F-295
Jan 04, 2016
OUTCOME: Not Guilty of Murder in the First Degree; Guilty of Murder in the Second Degree
Represented a client charged with first-degree murder. Through trial advocacy, the conviction was reduced to second-degree murder, demonstrating an effective defense strategy.
Criminal defense
The State of West Virginia vs. Crystal Dawn Smith: Wood County Case No. 13-F-55
Aug 27, 2013
OUTCOME: Not Guilty on Concealment of a deceased body, and guilty on conspiracy
Represented a client charged with concealment of a deceased body and conspiracy. Successfully secured a not guilty verdict on the concealment charge and defended their interests on the conspiracy charg...e, showing strategic trial advocacy.
Violent crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Joseph Matthew Joy; Wood County Case No. 12-M54M-4361
Jul 15, 2013
OUTCOME: Not Guilty
Represented Mr. Joy, charged with battery. We presented a self-defense claim, and he was found not guilty. This case highlights aggressive defense and protecting clients’ rights in criminal court.
Sex crime
The State of West Virginia vs. Norman Ratliff, Jr; Wood County Case No. 13-F-45
Apr 24, 2013
OUTCOME: Hung Jury - Mistrial
This case was my first trial, focusing on the charges of failure to provide notice of registration changes as a sex offender for my client, Mr. Ratliff. I successfully motioned for separate trials, whi...ch allowed the State to pursue these charges first. Although the jury could not reach a verdict, leading to a mistrial, this experience provided invaluable insights into courtroom procedures and jury dynamics. Following the mistrial, Mr. Ratliff received a more favorable plea offer, and we resolved the case with a plea agreement.
