Criminal Justice

SB 705 creates a new criminal offense called "theft by conversion" in West Virginia, targeting individuals who unlawfully use funds or property they were entrusted with under an agreement. It directly affects people handling others' assets (like rental companies, contractors, or anyone with a legal obligation to manage property), such as leased equipment or payments. The bill sets penalties: misdemeanors for amounts under $2,500 (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine), and felonies for $2,500 or more (1-10 years in prison or fines up to $2,500). It requires courts to order restitution to victims and specifies where cases can be prosecuted (e.g., defendant’s, victim’s, or property location county). The law applies to property valued over $100, excluding late fees.

SB 473 creates felony penalties for threatening to commit violent crimes using electronic devices (like texts, social media, or emails) when the threat causes a building evacuation, widespread fear, or serious disruption. It directly affects individuals who send such threats, making it a felony if the communication causes significant public alarm or evacuation. The law specifies that prosecutors must prove the threat was viewed as threatening by a reasonable person, and it prohibits defenses like claiming the threat wasn't "real." Penalties include fines up to $10,000 or prison terms of 1-10 years for these offenses.

This bill amends West Virginia law to specifically prohibit transporting telecommunications devices (like cell phones) into correctional facilities, including federal prisons. It increases penalties for delivering such devices to inmates or unauthorizedly bringing them onto facility grounds, with felony charges carrying fines up to $5,000 or up to 10 years in prison, and misdemeanor charges for lesser violations. The law directly affects visitors, family members, staff, or others attempting to bring devices into jails or prisons without authorization. It expands existing restrictions by explicitly naming telecommunications devices and updating their definition within the legal framework.

SB 55 creates a new felony offense for knowingly, willfully, and forcibly obstructing or hindering a home incarceration supervisor or social services worker while they are lawfully performing their duties, if the obstruction causes the death of that professional. It directly affects individuals who obstruct these workers and the workers themselves, who are protected under this law. The key provision sets a mandatory minimum 20-year prison sentence (with no parole eligibility before 20 years) for this offense, replacing a prior 15-year term. This law expands existing protections for public safety personnel to include home incarceration supervisors and social services workers handling cases like abuse investigations or home-based supervision.