West Virginia legal guides
Plain-language guides for West Virginians.
Short, calm walkthroughs of how the West Virginia criminal system actually works. Education only — not legal advice — and written for people who are scared, in a hurry, or trying to help someone they love.
How bail and bond work in West Virginia
What bail is, how a magistrate sets it, the difference between cash and surety bond, and what to expect at the bond hearing.
Read the guideYour loved one was just arrested in West Virginia — the first 24 hours
A calm, step-by-step walkthrough of booking, the initial appearance, finding where someone is held, and what you can and can't do to help.
Read the guideWhat happens when you're offered a plea deal in West Virginia
How plea bargains work in WV, who decides what, the rights you waive by pleading guilty, and what to weigh before you accept an offer.
Read the guideClearing your record: expungement in West Virginia
Who qualifies, how long you wait, what can't be expunged, and exactly what to file — with the current WV Code citations and SCA form numbers.
Read the guide
More guides coming soon
Understanding your arraignment in West Virginia
Coming soonWhat happens at a preliminary hearing
Coming soonHow the appeals process works in WV
Coming soon