Jerry has experience that is matched by few other attorneys. For over 40 years, he has been litigating cases and knows the courtroom as well as anyone. Jerry has successfully tried more than 100 cases and argued before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. After 22 years in public service as a prosecuting attorney and circuit judge, Jerry returned to private practice where he handles serious and complex criminal defense, wrongful death, and other civil matters.
Battle-tested and trusted, Jerry’s clients rely upon him when the stakes are highest. Jerry excels at understanding people’s needs and focuses his efforts on meeting those needs. His common-sense approach and down-to-earth personality may surprise you when talking with him about your case, but once you see him in the courtroom, you will understand why he is one of those most sought-after attorneys in the area.
Education
- West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, West Virginia
- West Virginia University
- A.B. Political Science - 1974
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
Representative Cases
- State v. Critzer, 167 W. Va. 655, 280 S.E.2d 288 (1981) (obtaining money by false pretenses)
- Keller v. Hartman, 175 W. Va. 418, 333 S.E.2d 89 (1985) (prescriptive easement)
- Wimer v. Hinkle, 180 W. Va. 660, 379 S.E.2d 383 (1989) (admissibility of decedent’s statement under Deadman’s Act)
- Warner v. Warner, 183 W. Va. 90, 394 S.E.2d 74 (1990) (duress and undue influence in property settlement agreement)
- Bland v. Bland, 182 W. Va. 686, 391 S.E.2d 376 (1990) (partition of real estate)
- Dottie S. v. Christopher S., 185 W. Va. 467, 408 S.E.2d 46 (1991) (child custody)
- Kimble v. Kimble, 186 W. Va. 147, 411 S.E.2d 472 (1991) (valuation of marital property)
- Fraley v. Family Dollar Stores of Marlinton, W. Virginia, Inc., 188 W. Va. 35, 422 S.E.2d 512 (1992) (forfeiture of lease)
- Simmons v. Comer, 190 W. Va. 350, 438 S.E.2d 530 (1993) (child custody)
- State ex rel. McClanahan v. Hamilton, 189 W. Va. 290, 430 S.E.2d 569 (1993) (prosecutorial disqualification)
- Rock v. Rock, 201 W. Va. 374, 497 S.E.2d 351 (1997) (child custody)
