A Weirton native, Michael Edward Nogay, has been practicing law for nearly 30 years in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

He graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University in 1980 and received a Benedum academic scholarship to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., in 1983.

Nogay has never lost a serious criminal case, either receiving acquittals as a defense lawyer or a conviction as a special prosecutor.

He has a great deal of knowledge about the juvenile system.

"I've defended a juvenile murder case before. I've defended numerous juvenile cases throughout the valley, especially in cases involving more serious crimes," said Nogay.

Given his background and vast knowledge, NEWS9 has called on him to act as our legal analyst in the rape investigation involving two Steubenville high school athletes.

"I think one of the key issues to accepting the verdicts and the resolutions that come through our civil and criminal justice system is to understand it, and understanding of it will allow people to realize that it is the best system out of every other system in the world," said Nogay.

Every time NEWS9 reports on a development in this rape investigation, Nogay will also be sorting through legal jargon to help viewers in two main ways.

First, he will help people understand the procedures, and second, from a practical standpoint, he will explain records that are released about the case.

Nogay is providing an unbiased stance on the case, and in making that point, called attention to the statue of Lady Justice, who is normally blindfolded.

"The reason is because justice really doesn't care about the public opinion. She is blind to all of that. She's worried about giving everybody, especially the accused, their due process," said Nogay.

The teenage suspects are behind bars in the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention center.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Oct. 12.

Leading up to that hearing, Nogay will be providing a look at the case from his perspective, discussing where it stands in the legal system and how he would handle the case if he was either the defense attorney or the prosecution.

He will also be able to give a general idea of what could potentially happen at the probable cause hearing.

Another report with Nogay is expected next to air next Wednesday.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.