A West Virginia Motion to Bar Introduction of Any Evidence Relating to Prior Convictions or Bad Acts is a legal document that seeks to prevent certain types of evidence from being presented during a trial. This motion is typically filed by the defense attorney to restrict the prosecution from introducing evidence of the defendant's prior criminal convictions or other bad acts that may prejudice the jury. In West Virginia, there are two common types of motions related to the introduction of prior convictions or bad acts: (1) Motion to Exclude Prior Convictions or Bad Acts and (2) Motion to Limit Evidence of Prior Convictions or Bad Acts. A Motion to Exclude Prior Convictions or Bad Acts aims to completely bar the introduction of any evidence relating to the defendant's prior convictions or bad acts. This motion argues that introducing such evidence would be highly prejudicial and irrelevant to the current case. It asks the court to exclude any discussion or mention of prior convictions or bad acts during the trial. On the other hand, a Motion to Limit Evidence of Prior Convictions or Bad Acts seeks to restrict the prosecution's ability to introduce such evidence. This motion acknowledges that the evidence may have some relevance to the case but argues that its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value. It requests the court to limit the scope or context in which the evidence can be presented, ensuring a fair trial for the defendant. Both types of motions typically include legal argumentation, citing relevant case law and precedents, as well as detailed explanations as to why the evidence should be excluded or limited. The defense attorney may argue that introducing prior convictions or bad acts may lead jurors to make judgments based on the defendant's character rather than on the evidence presented in the specific case at hand. Additionally, the defense may argue that admitting such evidence could violate the defendant's right to a fair trial or that it is inadmissible under the rules of evidence in West Virginia. The defense may also propose alternative means by which the prosecution can establish its case without relying on the defendant's prior convictions or bad acts. In conclusion, a West Virginia Motion to Bar Introduction of Any Evidence Relating to Prior Convictions or Bad Acts is a crucial legal tool utilized by defense attorneys to protect their clients from the potentially prejudicial effects of past criminal behavior. By filing either a Motion to Exclude Prior Convictions or Bad Acts or a Motion to Limit Evidence of Prior Convictions or Bad Acts, defense attorneys aim to promote fairness and ensure the case is decided solely on the merits of the current charges.