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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
Driving under the influence ( DUI ) is a major priority for law enforcement agencies, including those in West Virginia and Maryland. Today, any DUI arrest – be it a first-time allegation or an arrest with prior convictions – can warrant aggressive prosecution and substantial short- and long-term penalties upon conviction. However, those penalties can be elevated even more when drivers are charged ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
When it comes to criminal justice, there is no secret that convictions come with penalties. While many understand the possibility of fines, fees, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and other penalties handed down by the court in DUI cases, few understand just how far-reaching the repercussions and collateral consequences of a conviction can truly be. At Sutton & Janelle, PLLC, we make it a ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
For many individuals, being charged with driving under the influence ( DUI ) marks the first time they have even been arrested, and the first time they’ll have to confront what can be a confusing criminal justice system. Although DUI may be a relatively common criminal charge amid today’s increased focus on drunk and drugged driving, the penalties and consequences it poses are nothing to take ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
Individuals charged with crimes, including driving under the influence ( DUI ), often have some type of contact with a law enforcement officer who stopped and / or investigated them under suspicion of criminal activity. While being stopped or investigated by law enforcement is not a welcomed experience many expect or plan for, it is important to know your rights when you come into contact with ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
In a previous blog , we discussed Field Sobriety Tests – which include the walk-and-turn, stand and balance, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – and how they are important tools used by law enforcement officers to gather evidence that supports their justification to arrest and charge suspects. We also discussed how suspects have a right to refuse those tests. Whether a suspect chooses to take Field ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
When law enforcement officers have reasonable suspicion to pull you over for potentially driving under the influence ( DUI ) or alcohol or drugs, or stop you for committing a traffic offense, they are performing what is known as an investigatory stop. This means that any evidence they obtain can be used against you if you are formally charged with a criminal offense. While there are many things ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
After a DUI arrest, you are likely asking yourself: What should I do next? After all, no one plans to be arrested for a DUI, so it is understandable that you are worried or unprepared for the next steps that need to be taken. In this blog, we explain the important steps that you should take after being arrested for a DUI . Write Down the Details of your Arrest To win your DUI case, you will need ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
Sometimes it is evident when a marriage is headed for divorce. The fact is that not everyone can ultimately save their marriage if there are fundamental issues one or both parties cannot move past. If you believe a divorce is imminent, now is the time to begin taking the proper steps to ensure a smoother process. Here are some tips for what you should do if divorce is on your marriage’s horizon: ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
The controversial legislation for SB76 was signed into law on April 25, 2017. Senate Bill 76 allows individuals convicted of non-violent felonies to return to court after 10 years to possibly have their convictions reduced to misdemeanors. The signing of the bill signals West Virginia’s adoption of progressive approaches for restoring the rights of non-violent criminal offenders. SB76 will improve ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
When people come to Sutton & Janelle, PLLC for criminal defense representation, we provide them with the best legal advice we can. We understand that being arrested or facing charges is incredibly stressful, which is why we do our best to guide our clients towards achieving their desired results. Social Media in Your Case Often clients ask us if their social media posts can be used against them in ...
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Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
When most people think about dividing up their assets during a divorce , they think about deciding who gets the house, car, or money. But how do you decide who gets the things that don’t have a price tag? No doubt in the time that you and your spouse were married you collected things that had sentimental value. These usually include objects like family keepsakes, your child’s artwork, or something ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
While some Jefferson County divorce cases are hotly contested and result in hostile court litigation, there are other cases where the couple involved are capable of resolving their differences (property division, alimony, child custody) in an amicable and respectful fashion. Mediation offers both parties the creativity and flexibility to determine their own divorce agreement terms. It involves a ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle, PLLC
After a divorce has been finalized, all parties involved are often emotionally drained and possibly weary of the days ahead, especially the children. Unfortunately, the upcoming holiday season could only amplify the feelings of sadness and stress. Even though it may appear to be a substantial obstacle to overcome, coping with a divorce through the holidays can be an opportunity to rejuvenate the ...
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If you get convicted of a DUI in West Virginia, not only will you receive jail time and fines, but you driver’s license will be suspended for months, even years. Not having the means to drive can make it difficult to get to work, attend scheduled classes, and conduct daily activities. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who run the risk of being caught driving with a suspended license ...
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Posted By
Sutton & Janelle
As summer comes to a close, people from all over the United States are getting ready to celebrate the end of the season by having some Labor Day fun. However, especially during these holiday weekends, the likelihood of getting arrested for a DUI significantly increases. So when you start planning out your weekend, here are some helpful tips to consider: Drink in moderation. If you are planning to ...
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