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.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 53-7-1

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10