Defending those that need it now!

In December 2020, after 17 years as a civil defense lawyer, Paul Gwaltney opened his own law firm to begin practicing criminal defense, abuse and neglect, and juvenile defense. From December 2020 to June 2023, Paul defended people throughout North Central West Virginia (Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Randolph, Barbour, Taylor, & Preston counties) and the Potomac Highlands region (Hampshire, Hardy, Pendleton, Mineral, and Grant counties). He was known for his zealous and creative advocacy. From June 2023 through December 2024, he served as a Circuit Court Judge in Monongalia County.  Having completed his term of service as a Circuit Court Judge, he is excited to return to defending those who need it most.

Paul thanks you for your interest in retaining his services. To speak plainly, he knows that if you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you are not having a great day.  Something has gone drastically wrong, and you or a loved one is now in need of counsel.  You are not alone.  Paul is ready to provide sound legal advice and fight for you.

People in every walk of life find themselves charged with crimes.  If you, or a loved one, finds yourself in this situation, it is best to contact counsel as soon as possible so that the attorney can make inquiries on your behalf.  You may ask, “Can’t I just talk to the law enforcement officer or the prosecutor?”  Sure, if you can get them on the phone, you can, but you should not!  You may have questions, but law enforcement is not going to answer your questions.  Even assuming that law enforcement does answer your questions, who is to say that the officer answered you honestly.  While you have a duty of honesty to the officer, he or she does not owe you that same courtesy.  In fact, if you lie to the officer, that is a separate and distinct crime.  Unfortunately, law enforcement is allowed to intentionally mislead you.  In Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969), the United States Supreme Court found that misrepresentations by the police did not result in a violation of a constitutional right.  In other words, only one person in the conversation has the duty of candor.  Why take the risk?  Having an attorney to make inquiries on your behalf is crucial to properly protecting you. 

If you need counsel anywhere in West Virginia, please contact Paul to discuss your case.