HB4650

West Virginia HB4650 modifies the process for a defendant to be entitled to a trial by jury in municipal court.

West Virginia HB4650 amends the Code of West Virginia to establish that a defendant charged with an offense that may result in a fine of more than $5,000 is entitled to a trial by jury in municipal court. The bill mandates that municipal court judges undergo a criminal background check and complete a course in rudimentary principles of law and procedure. It also specifies that the jury in municipal court shall consist of twelve members and follows the procedures set forth in the rules of criminal procedure for magistrate courts.