Opinion ID: 2995427
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: This Court previously has established the standards for our review of a circuit court’s order deciding an administrative appeal as follows: “On appeal of an administrative order from a circuit court, this Court is bound by the statutory standards contained in W. Va. Code § 29A-5-4(a) and reviews questions of law presented de novo; findings of fact by the administrative officer are accorded deference unless the reviewing court believes the 6 See supra note 2. 4 findings to be clearly wrong.” Syllabus Point 1, Muscatell v. Cline, 196 W. Va. 588, 474 S.E. 2d 518 (1996). Syl. pt. 1, Miller v. Epling, 229 W. Va. 574, 729 S.E.2d 896 (2012). We also note that, [u]pon judicial review of a contested case under the West Virginia Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 29A, Article 5, Section 4(g), the circuit court may affirm the order or decision of the agency or remand the case for further proceedings. The circuit court shall reverse, vacate or modify the order or decision of the agency if the substantial rights of the petitioner or petitioners have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, decisions or order are: [‘](1) In violation of constitutional or statutory provisions; or (2) In excess of the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the agency; or (3) Made upon unlawful procedures; or (4) Affected by other error of law; or (5) Clearly wrong in view of the reliable, probative and substantial evidence on the whole record; or (6) Arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion.[’] Syl. pt. 2, Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Dept. v. State ex rel. State of W. Va. Human Rights Comm’n, 172 W. Va. 627, 309 S.E.2d 342 (1983). Accord Syl. pt. 2, Dale v. Ciccone, 233 W. Va. 652, 760 S.E.2d 466 (2014) (per curiam). With these standards in mind, we will address the issues herein raised.