As amended through January 31, 2024
Rule 43.01 - Investigation, Report, and Objections(a) In all cases where a presentence investigation report is prepared pursuant to W.Va. R.Crim.P. 32 and W.Va. Code § 62-12-7 or where the report is otherwise ordered by the court, the probation officer shall disclose the presentence investigation report to the defendant and to counsel for the defendant and to the attorney for the State not less than ten (10) calendar days prior to sentencing. Within five (5) calendar days thereafter, the parties by counsel shall communicate to the probation officer any objections they may have as to material information, any fact that was either not included or was stated erroneously, or as to the law, or sentencing alternatives and classifications. The communication shall be in writing with a copy served upon opposing counsel or an unrepresented defendant contemporaneously with service upon the probation officer. (b) After receiving objections, the probation officer may conduct further investigation and make revisions to the presentence report that may be necessary. The officer may require counsel to meet with the officer to discuss unresolved factual and legal issues. Not less than three (3) calendar days prior to sentencing, the probation officer shall submit the presentence report to the sentencing judge. The report shall be accompanied by an addendum setting forth objections that have not been resolved, together with the officer's comments and recommendations. The probation officer shall certify that the contents of the report, including revisions and the addendum, have been disclosed to the defendant and to counsel for the defendant and the State, and that the addendum fairly states any remaining objections. (c) With the exception of an objection under subsection (a) that has not been resolved, the presentence investigation report may be accepted by the court as accurate. For good cause, however, the court may allow additional objections to be raised at any time before the imposition of sentence. In resolving disputed issues of fact, the court may consider relevant information without regard to its admissibility under the rules of evidence, provided it otherwise has sufficient indicia of reliability.W.Va. Trial. Ct. R. 43.01