{"id":377199,"date":"2017-10-25T14:58:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T19:58:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/west-virginia-law\/west-virginia-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-29T14:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T19:00:31","slug":"west-virginia-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/west-virginia-law\/west-virginia-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"West Virginia Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n West Virginia Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Criminal laws are meant to deter crimes from happening in the first place, punish those who commit them, and protect the public. \n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

West Virginia criminal laws establish guidelines for deterring and punishing crimes. The laws cover the elements of crimes and the associated penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Criminal laws serve two purposes. They deter crimes from happening and punish those who commit them. Welcome to FindLaw’s section on West Virginia\u2019s criminal laws and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

You’ll find articles here addressing a wide range of crimes in West Virginia, from telemarketing fraud and Ponzi schemes to sexual assault<\/a> and first-degree murder. You\u2019ll also learn about the state’s drug laws and criminal statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Misdemeanors in West Virginia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Misdemeanors are much less severe than felonies. Many people guilty of these criminal offenses serve no jail time.<\/p>\r\n