If you are being investigated by the authorities, or if you have been charged with a crime, here is some free advice that may save your life: keep your mouth shut, and do not speak about the matter to anyone under any circumstances, except to say "I want to speak with an attorney."  Then do so, as soon as possible.  If you choose not to take this advice, please watch this video before opening your mouth.

Your criminal defense lawyer is the one person who stands between you and conviction.  Especially in West Virginia, a criminal defendant starts off the case in a position of great weakness and hopelessness.  The government has unlimited resources at their disposal with which to secure your conviction, and has created and crafted the criminal justice system in such a way as to almost guarantee conviction.  The only thing you have going for you is the ability of your criminal defense attorney to convince a jury to acquit you.

In West Virginia, there is no right to an appeal.  It must be done right the first time at the trial court level.  There usually are no second chances.  You need an attorney who has the skills, and who has been there before.  And you need an attorney now - not later.

Attorney John H. Bryan is a criminal defense trial attorney available statewide in West Virginia.  He has investigated police misconduct for the U.S. Department of Justice, and has tried cases both as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney.  He has prevailed in dozens of trials, and has achieved acquittals in West Virginia felony jury trials, including first-degree murder.

He is the author of the West Virginia Criminal Law Blog, which you can reach by clicking the link below to find out more about West Virginia criminal law, police liability, and the art of trial advocacy.

West Virginia Criminal Law Blog

JOHN H. BRYAN also handles CRIMINAL APPEALS to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals from all across the State of West Virginia, and has handled appeals for juvenile cases, murder cases, and other felony cases.

Call West Virginia criminal attorney JOHN H. BRYAN at 1-888-54-JBLAW now to set up a FREE OFFICE/PHONE CONSULTATION.  As always, all calls are CONFIDENTIAL and there is NO OBLIGATION.  You may also contact our office using our online contact form, or directly through email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .