Can the Attorney General’s Office represent me in court?

Unfortunately, the Attorney General’s Office cannot provide general legal advice to citizens. However, our office does make every effort to direct people with specific legal questions to the appropriate place. 

Additionally, while the Attorney General’s Office may “give written opinions and advice upon questions of law,” such opinions are limited to state officials and entities listed within W.Va. Code §5-3-1. 

You can view opinions and requests for opinions here.

No. As the chief legal officer for the State of West Virginia, the Attorney General is the “general lawyer for the State.” However, that does not allow the Attorney General’s office to represent individual citizens in private legal matters – whether criminal or civil. 

The Attorney General’s Office does have the authority, under certain state laws and our constitutional authority, to bring lawsuits on behalf of West Virginia citizens generally. For instance, the Attorney General may pursue restitution on behalf of West Virginia consumers who have been harmed by unlawful practices. 

West Virginia's price gouging laws go into effect in two situations: 

1. The Governor declares a state of emergency
2. The Governor declares a state of preparedness

These declarations remain in effect for thirty (30) days, though the Governor has the authority to shorten or extend this time period as circumstances warrant. Outside of these declared periods, price gouging laws do not apply, and sellers may establish prices according to market conditions. 

Find out more here. 

You can search the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board's website here.

Search for a business and licensing on the Secretary of State's website here.

West Virginia law requires businesses and organizations to notify consumers when a breach, exposing their personal information, occurs. 
If you are an authorized representative of a business or organization which has experienced a data breach, you may submit your notice of breach of security via email to: DataBreachNotice@wvago.gov

If you would like any of our informational brochures, call our main office at 304-558-2021 or e-mail constituent@wvago.gov.