Chadwick Hayden Hughes, in case 21F11, appeared before Judge Anita Harold Ashley on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 for a pretrial conference. Hughes, represented by Attorney Daniel Minardi entered into a plea agreement with the State of West Virginia. In exchange for his guilty plea to the felony offense of Domestic Battery 3rd Offence, the charge in case number 23B7, of Failure to Pay Child Support, will be dismissed. Hughes is now facing a sentence of 1-5 years in prison, and/or a $2,500 fine, as well as court cost. With the conviction of a felony offense, Hughes was reminded by Judge Ashley that his conviction will prevent him from every owning a firearm. Hughes acknowledged that he understood that was the case.
The matter has been referred to Alicia Lawson, Probation Officer for a pre-sentence investigation. Hughes will return for sentencing on August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries agreed to stand silent on sentencing but did say the victim would be permitted to speak at sentencing if she desired.
This conviction stems from a March 30, 2021 event where Sgt. Weekley of the WV State Police made contact with the victim who stated that Chad Hughes had struck her in the face with an open hand. This was the third domestic violence related offense committed by Hughes (the two prior were in 2011 and 2020) as certified in the Calhoun County Magistrate Court.
Judge Ashley accepted Hughes’ guilty plea. Attorney Daniel Minardi requested that there be a bond reduction from the current $210,000 to $30,000. While Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jefferies stated that he did not oppose the reduction, he did oppose the amount. Because of Hughes prior absconding from the State of West Virginia, having been found in Marietta, Ohio, Jeffries believed that the amount of $50,000 would be more fitting.
Judge Ashley granted the State’s recommendation of $50,000 bond.
Only losers abuse women.