About Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Canaan Suitt received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. After serving as a senior editor for the law school’s comparative law blog, he was a staff member of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review (ELPR). As a legal intern at the National Center for State Courts, he assisted in international rule of law projects and policy review; as a research assistant, he studied political dynamics in the U.S. federal judiciary. His articles on law and philosophy have been published in the ELPR as well as the academic journal Dewey Studies. He loves using his background in research and writing to make legal information accessible. Canaan currently writes for SuperLawyers.com. In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, and being a cat dad.
Articles written by Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Who Is Liable for Construction Defects?
If you have ever been involved in a home improvement or building project, you know many issues can arise during the construction process. One issue is construction defects. Whether it’s a structural failure, electrical problems, or faulty materials, construction defects can cause significant frustration, delays, and expenses. Figuring out who is responsible for the defect can be challenging, especially if it’s a bigger construction job since many parties may be involved. “In many states, …
What Does a Construction Lawyer Do?
A construction lawyer represents parties involved in building and construction work during contract drafting and project disputes. Types of cases construction lawyers work on include construction defects, payment claims, bidding disputes, breach of contract, delay claims, and subcontractor disputes. Construction lawyers provide legal advice on building codes, land use and zoning laws, environmental compliance, warranty issues, insurance coverage, site safety, and project closeouts. Construction …
What To Do if You Have a Contractor Dispute
Contractor disputes can quickly spoil a new construction project or plans for home improvement. If you are dealing with a contractor dispute, you may be wondering about your options and whether you should file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit is possible, going to court is often a last resort. “There are a lot of ways a case could go that could be short of full-blown litigation,” says Colorado construction law attorney Jeffrey Kerrane. This article will cover different types of disputes …
What Is Considered Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is nonconsensual contact of private body parts through intentional touching, coercion, or threat of physical force. Sexual assault can include the criminal act of sexual battery with or without sexual penetration. Lack of permission can include the incapacity to consent because of underage statutory violations, mental disability, abuse of power, physical restraint, threatened violence, or intoxication. Challenges to sexual assault criminal prosecution include a lack of probable …
When and Why Should I Hire a Sex Crime Attorney?
You should hire a sex crime attorney immediately after false accusations, a criminal investigation, police interrogation, or upon immediate arrest. Hire a lawyer because there are mandatory minimum penalties and severe collateral consequences, including public registry as a sex offender. An attorney can challenge search warrants and forensic evidence based on a lack of probable cause and handle witness impeachment to protect your constitutional rights. An attorney can also represent you in your …
What Is Considered a Sex Crime?
Sex crimes involve illegal sexual activity against another person. As Kansas criminal defense attorney Trey Pettlon says, “Typically, what distinguishes a sex crime [from non-sexual offenses] is that the act is done for the sexual arousal of the offender or the attempted sexual arousal of the alleged victim.” Sexual activity may be illegal due to: A person’s lack of consent to the sexual conduct; A person’s lack of capacity to give consent; or Coercion or violence. Federal and state …
What Is Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is the intentional act of public nudity or genital exposure in a public place likely to cause public alarm. Indecent and lewd conduct is usually done in the victim's presence for the purpose of sexual gratification. Indecent exposure is generally a misdemeanor charge, but moral turpitude criminal penalties could require sex offender registry. Depending on the statutory definition and community standards, it may result in a police report and disorderly conduct charge. Legal …
What Are Sex Offender Registries?
Sex offender registries are public databases maintained by law enforcement that provide community notification and offender tracking for individuals with a sex offense on their criminal record. Registration requirements include geographic restrictions, employment restrictions, and law enforcement notification for a change in address verification. Registries use a tiered system based on a public safety risk assessment, with different reporting frequencies and information available to the public …
Can I Appeal if My Workers' Comp Claim Is Denied?
You can appeal your workers' comp claim denial to get an administrative hearing for benefit reinstatement. You must file your formal appeal before the filing deadline, which runs from the notice of denial. Evidence submission can include medical evidence, witness testimony, and expert testimony. If you disagree with the judge's decision, you can file a formal appeal for reconsideration with the appeals board for adjudication. You can seek legal representation to handle your administrative …
Are Workers' Compensation Settlements Taxed by the IRS?
If you are receiving worker’s compensation benefits for a work-related injury, you might be wondering if that money can be taxed. Generally, the answer is “no.” Workers’ compensation payments are typically not considered taxable income. However, there's an exception: if you receive Social Security disability benefits in addition to workers' comp, some of your workers' comp could be taxed. It’s important to be aware of how your workers’ comp could be impacted depending on the …
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