At Maverick Litigation, we understand what is at stake in a criminal investigation — your freedom, your license, your reputation, and your livelihood. Our attorneys have decades of experience on both sides of state courtrooms in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania: first as prosecutors trying criminal cases for the government, and now as defense attorneys putting that knowledge to work for our clients. We fight to win.
(Facing federal charges? See our Federal Criminal Defense page. This page covers criminal matters in West Virginia and Ohio state courts.)
Deep Roots in the Region’s State Courts
State criminal cases are won locally. Collectively, our attorneys handle criminal matters in all 55 counties of West Virginia and throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania, trying hundreds of cases to verdict and handling thousands more through investigation and resolution. We know the judges, the prosecuting attorneys’ offices, and the juries in these courts — and we know how each of them approaches a criminal case.
That experience covers the full range of state criminal matters, including:
- Fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes
- Theft and property offenses
- State Medicaid fraud and insurance fraud
- Drug offenses under state law
- DUI and driving-related offenses
- Assault and other serious charges
- Offenses arising from professional or business practices
How State Criminal Cases Begin
Despite what television suggests, a criminal case doesn’t always start with handcuffs. Many state prosecutions begin quietly — a complaint, a referral from a licensing board or state agency, an audit that raises questions — followed by an investigation to determine whether a crime occurred, who was involved, and what evidence exists. Many investigations end without charges ever being filed.
But investigators have powerful tools: document requests, subpoenas, witness interviews, monitoring of online activity, and search warrants for computers and phones. It may not be clear whether you are a target or merely a witness — or what the investigation is even about. Investigations are often lengthy, secretive, and built on the element of surprise. If you have even a small concern that you may be implicated, contact a defense attorney before you respond to anyone.
Protecting Your Rights
If you are a professional facing questions about your business or professional practices, seek counsel immediately. A request for information or documents may seem routine, but answering without legal advice can have unanticipated — and disastrous — consequences.
An experienced defense attorney can assess your exposure, explain the full scope of what you’re facing, and craft a response strategy: cooperating where it helps you, and asserting your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent where it protects you. Let us handle the investigation while you focus on your work and your clients.
Why Maverick Litigation
Our three attorneys — Mr. Ihlenfeld, Ms. Cook, and Mr. Nogay — are former prosecutors with decades of collective experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases in the state courts of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as in federal court. That background includes prosecuting white-collar crime and fraud for the State of West Virginia, handling high-profile federal cases, and counseling individuals and corporations in private practice. Our experience spans financial fraud, embezzlement, securities fraud, billing irregularities, drug offenses, and more.
What truly sets us apart is courtroom familiarity. Having appeared in these courts for decades, we understand how local judges run their courtrooms, how local juries think, and how local prosecutors build their cases — insight other attorneys simply cannot offer. Because of our reputations and relationships, we are often able to resolve matters before charges are ever filed. And when a case must be tried, we build it to win.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Maverick Litigation
We represent professionals, business owners, and individuals involved in state criminal investigations across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania — whether as targets or as witnesses. If you believe you may need an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact our firm today.