Lawrence Smith News
ODC withdraws motion to suspend Lewis' license
Lewis CHARLESTON – A Morgantown attorney accused of shooting, and wounding a homeless man at his camp in Clay County will, for now, be allowed to continue practicing law.
Watkins accused of inaction in Red House man's divorce
Watkins WINFIELD – On the heels of allegations he behaved badly in a Hurricane minister's divorce, Putnam Circuit Judge William M. "Chip" Watkins III is accused of failing to correct his "inaccurate and inappropriate rulings" in one involving a Red House man from two years ago.
Watkins accused of ejecting man from courthouse without cause
Watkins WINFIELD – In addition to screaming at Pastor Art Hage, Putnam Family Law Judge William M. "Chip" Watkins III will have to answer why he ordered one of the minister's parishioners out of the courthouse.
Video shows family judge yelling at pastor
Watkins WINFIELD – A Putnam County pastor is accusing a family law judge of being "out-of-control" and has released video evidence to prove it.
Disbarred Wood attorney reaches agreement with state on unpaid taxes
Hayhurst PARKERSBURG – A disbarred Wood County attorney received a small victory recently on the issue that resulted in the loss of his license – unpaid taxes.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
June 7
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
June 1
Lewis shooting case sent to Clay grand jury
CLAY – A Morgantown attorney will now have to convince a jury that he acted in self-defense when he shot and wounded a homeless man at property he owns in Clay County.
Supreme Court suspends Ohio attorney's license
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has changed its mind, and suspended a Marietta, Ohio, attorney.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
May 21
Court suspends former Texas attorney's license for three years
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has followed with officials in the Lone Star State in placing the career of a Texas attorney now living in West Virginia on hiatus.
Court reprimands Upshur attorney for mistakes in Randolph property dispute
Klie-Kolenich CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has rebuked an Upshur County attorney for her missteps in a Randolph County couple's property dispute with their neighbors.
Court places Martinsburg attorney on year's suspension
Santa Barbara CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has suspended a Berkeley County attorney for his lack of diligence in four clients' cases.
Santa Barbara faces two more years suspended following no-contest plea
CHARLESTON – Following his plea agreement on criminal charges two months ago, Michael Santa Barbara's law career may be put on hold for another two years.
Former AG candidate charged with malicious wounding
Lewis CLAY – A Monongalia County attorney and unsuccessful Republican candidate for attorney general has been charged with shooting an apparent house guest in Clay County.
Jefferson sheriff sued, indicted for 'sadistic' beating
Shirley MARTINSBURG – The manner in which he arrested a bank robbery suspect 18 months ago has resulted in both a civil suit, and indictment against the Jefferson County Sheriff.
Second suit filed against Charleston attorney's real estate company
CHARLESTON – A second lawsuit alleges a real estate holding company owned by a Charleston attorney failed to conduct due diligence in notifying the former owner of property it bought at a tax sale of her ability to get it back.
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
May 11