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.
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
Landlords are individuals or businesses that rent property to tenants in exchange for payment. If you’re a landlord, you have several important rights and responsibilities towards your tenants. Whether you’re planning to be a landlord for the first time or already have experience renting real estate, it’s important to understand the landlord-tenant law governing your role. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a landlord can help prevent legal issues with your tenant from …
Know Your Tenant Rights
If you rent an apartment or house, you have important basic rights. Landlord-tenant laws at the local, state, and federal levels protect tenants' rights and interests, including the right to a habitable living environment, protection from unfair eviction, and the return of security deposits. For advice on your legal rights and how to enforce them, speak with a local landlord-tenant attorney. Quiet Enjoyment As a tenant, you have the right to enjoy your property without obstruction or intrusion …
When and How To File for Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy may sound like a last resort to avoid at all costs. However, according to Ohio bankruptcy attorney W. Mark Jump, “Clients often wait too long to see a bankruptcy lawyer and try various other ways to resolve their debt. I find that when people try to use alternatives, it really just delays the inevitable, and they probably should have filed a bankruptcy before.” The bankruptcy process can feel intimidating or overwhelming. Still, with the professional help of a bankruptcy …
Types of Traffic Tickets and Penalties
If you are a driver, it’s likely you’ll get a traffic ticket sometime in your life. If it does happen, what are the consequences? The first thing to know is traffic laws vary from state to state, and traffic violations can range in severity from civil infractions to misdemeanors to felonies. Most traffic violations are non-criminal civil infractions, such as “speeding tickets or small traffic accidents. Civil infractions only ever carry a fine,” says Michigan DUI defense attorney Daniel …
What To Do if You Get a Traffic Ticket
When it comes to traffic violations, the bad news is most drivers will get a traffic ticket at some point in their driving life. The good news is most traffic violations are relatively minor offenses called civil infractions. “Civil infractions are non-criminal traffic violations that carry fines, never jail time," says Daniel J. Larin, a DUI defense attorney in Troy, Michigan. Infractions include: Illegal turns Parking tickets Speeding violations Running a stop sign or red light There are …
What Are the Consequences of a DUI?
It’s a crime in every state for someone to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Commonly known as “drunk driving,” every state defines and labels this offense in its own way, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and Operating Under the Influence (OUI). This article will use the general term “DUI” to refer to these laws. While the specifics vary from state to state, there are two general elements of a DUI offense: The driver was …
What Is a Mechanic's Lien?
Subcontractors generally work on construction projects without directly contracting with the homeowner. Instead, homeowners pay the main contractor, who pays the subcontractors and suppliers. This can put subcontractors in a difficult position. What if the contractor doesn't pay them? What recourse do subcontractors have to get paid? If you work as a contractor, you know that one of the biggest hassles of your job can be getting clients to actually pay you. This article will explain what a …
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?
Construction law covers many legal issues involving the construction industry. Federal, state, and local laws govern different aspects of the construction process. Construction lawyers are experts in this complex field, typically focusing on a particular legal matter or type of client. This article will give an overview of what construction lawyers do and when it’s necessary to seek legal advice from a construction lawyer. What Construction Lawyers Do “Construction law is a very general …
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 …
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