What is a Public Defender?
A Public Defender is an attorney appointed to represent a client charged with a crime and facing jail or prison. In West Virginia, there are 18 Public Defender Corporations which are law offices where a number of Public Defender attorneys are employed. In the Fourth Circuit Public Defender Office which covers Wood and Wirt Counties, there are nine attorneys working as Public Defenders. These offices are funded by state funds.
Who will represent me?
If the Fourth Circuit Public Defender Office is appointed to your case, the attorney who will represent you is assigned depending on which judge or magistrate is hearing your case. If you know who is hearing your case, you can cross-reference your attorney’s name by looking at the listing of our attorneys. You will also receive a letter from your attorney after he or she is appointed. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. If a Panel Attorney is appointed to represent you, you will be notified about that appointment, likely in the mail.
Are there other court appointed attorneys besides public defenders?
For those cases where Public Defender offices cannot represent a client for whatever reason, or where there is no Public Defender office, then local attorneys are appointed to represent clients who qualify for court appointed counsel. Those attorneys are referred to as Panel Attorneys. Panel Attorneys are completely separate from Public Defender offices. These Panel Attorneys work at other locations and have their own phone numbers and addresses.
Will I Have to Pay for My Court Appointed Attorney?
How do I Apply for a Public Defender or Court Appointed Attorney??
In order to receive a Public Defender or court appointed attorney, you will need to complete a Financial Affidavit to see if you qualify or are eligible. You may be asked for proof of your income. An Affidavit is available by clicking this link. Affidavit
Who are the judges in the fourth circuit?
Wood County is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which also includes Wirt County. The county seat is Parkersburg.
Judge John D. Beane
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 421
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
304-424-1756
Fax: 304-424-1846
Judge Robert A. Waters
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 321
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
304-424-1746
Fax: 304-424-1747
Judge Jason Wharton
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 221
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
304-424-1721
Fax: 304-424-1726304-424-1700
Fax: 304-424-1804
Address filings to the Wood County Circuit Clerk
Celeste Ridgway
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 131
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
304-424-1700
Fax: 304-424-1804
To learn more: Lower Courts
Who are the magistrates in the Fourth Circuit?
Wood County
Magistrate Joe A. Kuhl
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-422-4258
Fax: 304-422-7871
Magistrate Brenda K. Marshall
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-422-4250
Fax: 304-422-7871
Magistrate Jody Purkey
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-422-3822
Fax: 304-422-7871
Magistrate Robin Waters
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-422-0831
Fax: 304-422-7871
Address filings to the Wood County Magistrate Clerk:
Paulina Yearego, Clerk
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-422-3444
Fax: 304-422-7871
Wirt County
Magistrate C. David Roberts
P.O. Box 249
One Court Street
Elizabeth, WV 26143
304-275-3641
Fax: 304-275-4882
Magistrate Janey I. Wigal
P.O. Box 249
One Court Street
Elizabeth, WV 26143
304-275-3641
Fax: 304-275-4882
Address filings to the Wirt County Magistrate Clerk:
Misty L. Campbell, Clerk
P.O. Box 249
One Court Street
Elizabeth, WV 26143
304-275-3642
Fax: 304-275-4882