A Day in the Life of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Virginia Criminal Court
As a criminal defense attorney in West Virginia, every day brings a unique set of challenges, rewards, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of clients facing serious charges. At Frank Walker Law, we understand the importance of navigating the criminal justice system with skill, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for those we represent.
While no two days are exactly alike, there are some common threads that run through the typical day of a criminal defense lawyer in West Virginia. From client consultations and court appearances to strategic case preparation, a criminal defense lawyer’s work is both dynamic and demanding. In this blog post, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day in the life of a criminal defense lawyer is like.
Early Morning: Preparing for the Day Ahead
The day usually begins early. While some criminal defense lawyers start their days with a cup of coffee and a glance at the calendar, others may begin by reviewing case files or responding to urgent client emails.
For a criminal defense lawyer like Frank Walker, preparation is everything. A typical morning might involve reviewing upcoming hearings, pre-trial motions, and the latest developments in the cases currently being handled. Depending on the schedule, attorneys may also spend time drafting motions to dismiss, writing legal briefs, or preparing for a specific courtroom battle.
Before heading to court, there’s often a final review of the day’s cases. This may include checking in with clients to confirm they’re prepared for their hearings or making last-minute calls to investigators, witnesses, or experts. The goal is to ensure that every detail is addressed, as these small elements can make all the difference in the courtroom.
Mid-Morning: Heading to Court for Hearings and Appearances
Court time is the heart of a criminal defense lawyer's day. West Virginia criminal courtrooms are often busy, with multiple cases being heard throughout the morning. A criminal defense attorney’s caseload can include arraignments, motions hearings, bond hearings, pre-trial conferences, and sometimes even trial days.
When representing clients in criminal court, preparation is key. Criminal defense lawyers need to be quick on their feet, able to respond to unexpected developments, and ready to advocate strongly for their clients. If a pre-trial motion needs to be argued or a client’s bond needs to be adjusted, the lawyer must be ready to present compelling arguments to the judge. It’s not uncommon for a criminal defense lawyer to juggle several cases in one morning, rushing between courtrooms and chambers to ensure each client is represented to the best of their ability.
Sometimes, a lawyer will meet privately with their client before the hearing to discuss strategy or to calm any nerves. It’s essential for the client to understand what’s at stake and how the attorney plans to proceed.
Afternoon: Research, Case Strategy, and Client Consultations
After court, the pace slows down a bit, but the work doesn’t stop. In the afternoon, criminal defense lawyers spend time on case preparation—whether it’s continuing legal research, reviewing evidence, or meeting with witnesses and experts to gather new insights. Building a strong defense requires digging deep into all the facts and details of each case.
At Frank Walker Law, we understand that no two cases are alike. A lawyer may need to conduct legal research to identify relevant precedents or case law to strengthen a defense. For instance, if a client is charged with DUI or drug possession, the lawyer may review police reports, study field sobriety test protocols, or consult with forensic experts to challenge the accuracy of evidence.
Lawyers also spend time strategizing with their clients. Depending on the case, this may involve discussing the possibility of a plea deal, weighing the pros and cons of going to trial, or deciding whether to seek a motion to suppress evidence based on violations of constitutional rights.
Many criminal defense lawyers also take this time to follow up with investigators and private professionals who are assisting in the case. If there’s new evidence to review or a need for additional investigation, they’ll work with these experts to ensure the defense team is well-prepared.
Late Afternoon: Meeting with New Clients and Building Relationships
Late afternoons often bring meetings with new clients or follow-up conversations with current ones. When someone is charged with a crime, they often feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of what to do next. As a criminal defense attorney, part of the job is to guide clients through this tough time. Building trust is critical, as clients need to feel confident that their attorney is on their side, working to achieve the best possible outcome.
A first meeting with a client typically involves discussing the details of the case, explaining the legal process, and answering any questions the client may have. It’s the attorney’s job to make sure the client understands their legal rights and how the defense team plans to proceed.
For ongoing cases, these late-day meetings might include updating clients on the status of their case, discussing new developments, and preparing for upcoming hearings or trials. Communication is key, and it’s important to keep clients informed throughout the process.
Evening: Wrapping Up the Day and Preparing for Tomorrow
While the typical lawyer’s workday might end in the evening, it’s common for criminal defense attorneys to continue working after hours. After a busy day in court and client meetings, the evening often involves reviewing case notes, preparing for upcoming court dates, and drafting any necessary motions or legal documents. It’s also an important time to follow up on any outstanding tasks, whether it’s communicating with the court, requesting additional evidence, or meeting with other legal professionals.
A criminal defense attorney’s job isn’t just about reacting to a crisis—it’s about preparation, strategy, and forward-thinking. That means putting in the time after hours to ensure everything is in place for the next step in the case.
Why It’s All Worth It
The day-to-day work of a criminal defense lawyer in West Virginia can be long, intense, and filled with pressure. But the rewards are clear. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that you are advocating for your client’s rights and working tirelessly to ensure they have a fair chance in the criminal justice system. Whether it’s negotiating a reduced sentence, securing a dismissal, or fighting for innocence, the work we do at Frank Walker Law has a real impact on people’s lives.
Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. From the first phone call to the final verdict, every moment counts. As criminal defense attorneys, we are committed to providing the highest level of advocacy and support to our clients in their time of need.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in West Virginia, don’t wait. Contact Frank Walker Law today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Call or reach out online for experienced legal representation.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.