Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Criminal Defense lawyers serving Kanawha County, WV >
David Schles
Back to Search Results
David Schles
Law Office of David Schles
815 Quarrier Street
Suite 306
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 344-1559
http://www.DavidSchles.com
Aggressive Criminal Defense throughout West Virginia
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
My firm focuses on serious criminal matters in federal and West Virginia state courts.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Appeals
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Search & Seizure
- DUI
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering & RICO
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Abduction
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
WV, Sep 1993
Bar Number: 6375
Specialty Certifications
West Virginia does not permit lawyers to state a "specialty," but my practice is devoted to criminal defense.
Other Court Admissions
West Virginia, United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Supreme Court of the United States of America.
Association Memberships
West Virginia State Bar, Criminal Justice Section West Virginia State Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Appellate Panel — United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
Continuing Education
I teach seminars on Criminal Law in West Virginia and also attend seminars on Criminal Justice related topics.
Papers and Publications
Mayles v. Shoney's, Inc.: Recent Developments In Mandolidis Actions, West Virginia Law Review, Spring 1992
Criminal Defense Discovery in West Virginia: Building the Case, Evidence and Dealing With Hostile Witnesses and Uncooperative Prosecution NBI, Inc., 2006
Criminal Defense in West Virginia: Ethical Issues and Trouble-Shooting Extreme Situations, - NBI, Inc., 2004
http://wlec-stg.west.thomson.com/search/advancedCLESearchCriteriaForm.jsf
Example Cases
In the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, I represented a young man accused of First Degree Arson and First Degree Murder based upon his presence at the scene of a fatal fire. The charges were dismissed when we were able to show he did not set the fire and was unaware until after the fact that a person he was with had started the fire.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
West Virginia University College of Law
City:
Morgantown
State:
WV
Year:
1993
Focus and Accomplishments:
Honors: I graduated at the top of my class and was elected by the faculty to the Order of the Coif and Order of Barristers. I also received the Patrick Duffy Koontz Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Leadership and Citizenship and the St. George Tucker Brook Fellowship.
I served as Managing Editor of the West Virginia Law Review and President of the Lugar Trial Association. I was captain of the National Trial Team and champion of the West Virginia Invitational Trial Competition.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
West Virginia University
City:
Morgantown
State:
VA
Year:
1981
Honors:
Yes. I graduated Summa Cum Laude and was elected to the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science and History. I received numerous awards and scholarships for academic excellence.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
West Virginia
Firm Focus and History
My firm focuses on representing individuals facing serious criminal charges in federal and state courts throughout West Virginia.
I have been practicing since 1993 and have represented hundreds of clients in criminal cases ranging from relatively minor charges in state courts, to murder, armed robbery and other major felonies in state courts, and serious federal charges including drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, computer crimes and violent crimes falling under federal jurisdiction.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked as a Special Assistant to the Governor of West Virginia, State Contract Administrator of the State West Virginia, and Leasing Director for the State of West Virginia. Prior to that, while in graduate school, I worked as a graduate teaching assistant for the University and as a research analyst for several political organizations in Washington, D.C. and in West Virginia.
Activities and Awards
I have served on the Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and Appellate Panel for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. I have also served as an instructor of Continuing Legal Education, delivering presentations to other lawyers on a variety of criminal law related subjects.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe clients should educate themselves on legal issues to enable them to ask their lawyer important questions about legal and factual issues related to their cases, and to help ensure all viable defenses are pursued.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Due to the nature of my practice which is focused on criminal defense, document review is not a common part of my practice. I do not handle contracts, bills of sale, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) law, real estate transactions or other legal matters where client-prepared documents are frequently involved.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not "coach" clients who want to represent themselves. Self-representation in serious criminal matters is a very poor idea. Any person facing serious criminal charges needs a lawyer providing full representation as to all aspects of the case. It would be impossible for any lawyer to provide a layperson with enough information and understanding of how to exercise judgment in a criminal case. I do not wish to contribute to a person facing serious criminal charges making the foolish mistake of representing himself.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a criminal defense lawyer because I find it challenging and rewarding, and because I believe our criminal justice system demands that persons accused of crimes have access to high quality legal representation. The government and large corporations have no problem obtaining highly qualified and experienced lawyers, and I believe individuals need the same opportunity.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I devote my practice to criminal defense. This focus enables me to provide superior representation to lawyers who attempt to do a little criminal defense while also working on other unrelated legal matters. When you are facing serious criminal charges, you need a lawyer whose practice is devoted to defending people accused of crimes. Criminal law is becoming increasingly complex and the punishments have grown more severe over time, so only lawyers who focus on criminal defense can provide you with the level of representation you need.
I also pride myself on my research and scholarship abilities. My superior record of accomplishment allows me to provide better representation than most criminal defense lawyers, many of whom might be good at negotiating or quick on their feet in the courtroom, but lack outstanding research and writing abilities. A person facing serious criminal charges needs the full range of representation, and most people cannot afford to hire multiple lawyers to handle different aspects of a case. I can provide a wealth of experience in all aspects of criminal defense, ranging from investigation, pre-trial practice, to courtroom advocacy and appeal.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I practice criminal defense because I consider it the foundation of our free society and individual liberties. I find it very rewarding to protect the rights and interests of people whom the government seeks to deprive of their liberty. No one should ever be deprived of their liberty and freedom without a fair trial, and a fair trial is only possible when a person has an experienced and capable attorney on his side.
What do you like best about your career?
In addition to the satisfaction I derive from helping people through the dangers of the criminal justice system, I value the ability to be my own boss and do what I want to do with my practice and with my life.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me at all stages of a case. When you face serious criminal charges you need a lawyer, not a paralegal or secretary, to relay messages. When you hire me, you get me, not a junior lawyer who does all the real work or staff people who promise return calls.
What are your strengths and style?
I am an aggressive and devoted advocate with years of experience handling criminal cases and the superior legal ability to address tough, complex issues which frequently arise in criminal matters.
Personal Interests:
Outside the law, I enjoy reading, history, fishing, camping, and mountain biking.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
No, but arrangements can be made for Spanish speaking clients.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes. I handle many matters on a fixed or flat fee basis. The fee is dependent on numerous factors and varies on an individual case basis. In each case a contract setting forth the precise amount of the fee is negotiated and agreed upon prior to payment.
Clients who pay a flat fee in advance will receive a substantial discount compared to clients accepted on an hourly fee basis.
Hourly Rates
$200.
Free Initial Consultation?
I do not charge for telephone inquiries or office visits scheduled to discuss potential representation.
Typical Retainer
Retainers vary widely dependent upon the nature of the case and the amount of time I anticipate a case will require.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
