West Virginia § 53-7-1 - 53-7-1. Order for arrest -- Affidavit; grounds for arrest.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 53-7-1 — 53-7-1. Order for arrest -- Affidavit; grounds for arrest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53-7-1. 53-7-1. Order for arrest -- Affidavit; grounds for arrest.

An order for the arrest of a defendant in any action or proceeding at law or suit in equity may be made by the court in which the action, proceeding or suit is pending, or by the judge or clerk thereof in vacation, upon the affidavit of the plaintiff or any credible person showing to the satisfaction of the court, or judge or clerk thereof in vacation, the nature and justice of the plaintiff's claim, the amount which the affiant believes the plaintiff is justly entitled to recover in the action, proceeding or suit, and the existence of some one or more of the following grounds for the arrest of the defendant: (a) That the defendant has removed, or is about to remove, any of his property out of the state with intent to defraud his creditors; or (b) that he has converted or is about to convert his property or any part thereof into money or securities with like intent; or (c) that he has assigned, disposed of or removed his property or any part thereof, or is about to do so, with like intent; or (d) that he has property or rights in action which he fraudulently conceals; or (e) that he fraudulently contracted the debt or incurred the liability for which the action or suit is brought; or (f) that he is about to leave the state and reside permanently in another state or country, without paying the debt or liability for which the action or suit is brought.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 53-7-1

What does West Virginia Code § 53-7-1 cover?

Section 53-7-1 ("53-7-1. Order for arrest -- Affidavit; grounds for arrest.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 53-7-1?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 53-7-1" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 53-7-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.