West Virginia § 52-2-15 - 52-2-15. Secrecy of Grand Jury Proceedings.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 52-2-15 — 52-2-15. Secrecy of Grand Jury Proceedings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 52-2-15. 52-2-15. Secrecy of Grand Jury Proceedings.

(a) A grand juror, an interpreter, a stenographer, an operator of a recording device, a typist who transcribes recorded testimony, an attorney for the state, or any person to whom disclosure is made under paragraph (B), subdivision (1), subsection(c) of this section, shall not disclose matters occurring before the grand jury, except as otherwise provided by subsection (c) of this section, and rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Appeals.

(b) A person who knowingly violates subsection (a)of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or confined in jail not more than thirty days, or both fined and confined.

(c) (1) Disclosure otherwise prohibited by this section of matters occurring before the grand jury, other than its deliberations and the vote of any grand juror, may be made to:

(A) An attorney for the state for use in the performance of such attorney's duty; and

(B) Such official personnel as are deemed necessary by an attorney for the state to assist an attorney for the state in the performance of such attorney's duty to enforce criminal law.

(2) Disclosure otherwise prohibited by this section of matters occurring before the grand jury may also be made:

(A) when so directed by a court preliminarily to or in connection with a judicial proceeding;

(B) when permitted by a court at the request of the defendant, upon a showing that grounds may exist for a motion to dismiss the indictment because of matters occurring before the grand jury;

(C) when the disclosure is made by an attorney for the state to another grand jury; or

(D) when permitted by a court at the request of an attorney for the state, upon a showing that such matters may disclose a violation of federal criminal law or of the law of another state, to an appropriate official of the federal government or of such other state for the purposes of enforcing such law.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 52-2-15

What does West Virginia Code § 52-2-15 cover?

Section 52-2-15 ("52-2-15. Secrecy of Grand Jury Proceedings.") 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 § 52-2-15?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 52-2-15" (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 § 52-2-15 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.