Law Office of Kevin B. Sawkins

A statute of limitations sets a time limit for when criminal charges can be filed. The length of that limit depends on what crime is committed, and varies by state. In many cases, a defendant's time spent out of state will not count toward the time limit. This is to prevent suspects from fleeing the state to avoid prosecution. #CriminalLaw

A common occurrence, yet and still something most drivers try to avoid, a car crash affects all parties involved. No matter how competent a driver one may be, there are times when a car crash is unavoidable. https://bit.ly/3fwEUrs

As a business owner, it's your responsibility to do everything within your means to limit risk and to keep the business running smoothly. But how does one go about limiting the possibility of a lawsuit to ensure business continuity? #BusinessLaw

The Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy clause prevents defendants from being put on trial more than once for the same offense. A key exception is that separate sovereigns can prosecute defendants for the same criminal acts. For example, if a person commits a single act that violates both federal and state laws, they could face trial in both federal and state courts.

Just what sort of emergency allows police to enter your home without a warrant? That was the question before the U.S. Supreme Court recently. https://n.pr/3ss4odc

Despite the fact that Americans have been driving less during the pandemic, pedestrian deaths per mile in the United States spiked 20% in the first half of 2020, new research shows. https://wb.md/3fmwl2j

Forty-nine states and territories have hate crime laws -- but they vary. To label something a hate crime is, in many states, to add weight to sentencing. #CriminalLaw https://cnn.it/3vIwJy4

Making sure you follow all of the necessary steps when starting your business can set the foundation for success. #BusinessLaw https://bit.ly/2Jw7xWI

The Department of Justice told the U.S. Supreme Court that it thinks low-level crack cocaine offenders should be among the beneficiaries of a federal law that reduced certain prison sentences. #CriminalLaw https://reut.rs/3vLbnQn

A new report reveals that the number of motor-vehicle deaths in 2020 was the highest in 13 years. https://bit.ly/3vj1RDM

The number of people killed on the nation’s highways rose 4.6% in the first nine months of 2020 despite coronavirus lockdowns that curtailed driving early in the year. https://bit.ly/3iztAKu

Due to a variety of circumstances, many founders have to raise venture capital to grow their business. Fortunately, there are many tried and true mechanisms that founders can employ to ensure they maintain some semblance of power over their business. https://bit.ly/3vjYP2f

Before a criminal case goes to trial, the prosecutor and the defense have the opportunity to make pretrial motions. These motions can affect many issues at trial, from what evidence can be introduced to which charges will be tried. An experienced attorney can suggest which motions could be useful to your case and file them on your behalf.

What happens when a business partnership goes sour? What happens when someone wants out or has a family emergency? Discussing these topics is difficult for many business owners, but doing so can save you a ton of pain, heartache, and legal fees down the road. http://bit.ly/39Hk2Id

The pandemic has pushed the criminal justice system to reimagine itself a bit, delivering cutting-edge changes that have been lifelines for incarcerated people craving contact with their families. But families of prisoners fear corrections officials will use the technology to replace in-person interactions even after the pandemic ends. https://nbcnews.to/2NqPNPD

There are some cases where a party is legally excused from performing its contractual obligations. This can happen when a contract becomes impossible to perform due to unforeseen circumstances. Other times, contracts can be rescinded in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. If an issue has arisen that might affect your ability to fulfill your duties under an agreement, it's a good idea to speak with an attorney who can explain your options.

Penalties for drug offenses vary - from prison time to no conviction at all. The punishment a defendant receives can depend on many factors, including the charge, the drug in question, and the quantity of drugs. A strong defense from an experienced criminal attorney can help you protect your rights and mitigate the severity of drug penalties.

If you slip and fall in a store, it's important to report the accident to a manager or employee, even if you don't think you were seriously hurt. The extent of your injuries is not always apparent immediately after an accident, and reporting your fall should produce documentation that could be helpful evidence in the event that you bring a personal injury claim.