Lawrence Smith News
Watkins targeted for ethics violations in private practice
Watkins CHARLESTON – Before becoming a family law judge, records show multiple complaints were lodged against a Putnam County judge for making unprofessional, abrasive and insensitive comments as an attorney against his clients or other litigants.
Attorney no-show puts FOIA lawsuit in jeopardy
Karr CHARLESTON – As a result of his attorney's failure to show for recent hearing, a Clay County man's Freedom of Information lawsuit is on the brink of being dismissed.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
June 12
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
June 18
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
May 30
Upshur sheriff race heading to court
Taylor BUCKHANNON – Who becomes the next Upshur County sheriff will likely not be decided at the ballot box, but in a courtroom.
Logan man says police brutalized him
CHARLESTON – Eighteen months after it successfully nabbed a murder suspect, a police dragnet in Logan County has turned up a lawsuit.
Two clients sue St. Albans attorney for retainer refunds
Phalen CHARLESTON – In addition to nearly 20 ethics complaints, a St. Albans attorney is contending with two cases from former clients seeking recovery of retainers they say he failed to earn.
Phalen owes nearly $25,000 in taxes and fees, records show
Phalen CHARLESTON – Records show Charles L. "Dusty" Phalen Jr.'s mountain of ethics complaints is second only to his mountain of unpaid taxes.
Another ethics complaint lodged against Putnam family law judge
Watkins CHARLESTON – A Putnam County family law judge again is accused of showing ill-temper toward a litigant.
Man says State Police used excessive force, made unlawful arrest
CHARLESTON – A Raleigh County man alleges he was victimized in a road rage incident by two people whose duty it is to guard against it.
Attorney, family law judge accused of harming Dunbar woman's divorce interests
Phalen CHARLESTON – A St. Albans attorney and a Putnam County family law judge, who are already under investigation for unrelated acts of misconduct, are accused by a Dunbar woman of failing to take notice of and correct errors in her divorce.
Fayette attorney's license suspended pending outcome of medical exam
CHARLESTON – A Fayette County attorney's failure to comply with a directive she undergo a medical examination has resulted in her temporary suspension.
Court reprimands Raleigh attorney for lack of diligence in estate settlement
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has disciplined a Raleigh County attorney for her lack of diligence in settling a Boone County woman's estate.
Roane Co. man files FOIA suit to get answers to daughter's death, disappearance
Christian Starcher CHARLESTON –A Roane County man whose teenage daughter went missing for seven years before her body was finally discovered near the Wirt/Roane county line is seeking answers as to why her disappearance, and death remain unsolved.
Facing contempt charges, Putnam family judge rules on two-year old motions
Watkins CHARLESTON – Already facing possible disciplinary action for his lack of professionalism in a Hurricane pastor's divorce, a Putnam County family law judge has complied with the state Supreme Court's order that he issue a ruling on motions that have been pending in another divorce for nearly two years.
Court affirmed order reversing Watkins' rulings in Pakistani couple's divorce
Watkins CHARLESTON – Last year, the state Supreme Court ruled that Putnam Family Law Judge William M. "Chip" Watkins III erred in rulings he made in a Pakistani doctor's divorce.
Court orders Putnam family judge to rule in divorce or be held in contempt
Watkins CHARLESTON – A Putnam County family law judge facing disciplinary action for his lack of professionalism in a Hurricane pastor's divorce could be held in contempt if he fails to render a decision in another divorce by next week.
Lewis admonished in '09 for 'reckless' comments about judge's ruling
Lewis CHARLESTON – Three years ago Hiram C. Lewis IV was disciplined for inappropriate comments he made about a judge's decision.
Suit accuses Martinsburg attorney of 'undue influence' in parents' wills
Printz Jr. CHARLES TOWN – A Berkeley County attorney is accused of taking advantage of his parents' age to change their will for his exclusive benefit.