When law enforcement contacts you—whether during a traffic stop, at your home, or in connection with an investigation—it can be nerve-wracking. People often feel pressure to respond quickly, sometimes saying something inaccurate in hopes of avoiding trouble. But in Connecticut, lying to the police can carry serious legal consequences, and…
Domestic violence cases in Connecticut are treated with the utmost seriousness. The moment an arrest is made in a family violence case, the court will almost always issue a protective order to shield the alleged victim. While these orders are designed to ensure safety, they can also place significant restrictions…
Being pulled over by the police can be nerve-wracking. The flashing lights in your rearview mirror, the sound of the siren — it’s enough to make anyone anxious. But what if you panic and drive away? In Connecticut, leaving the scene of a traffic stop is one of the worst…
Introduction: More Than Just a Speeding Ticket If you have been charged with reckless driving in Connecticut, you may be surprised to learn that it is not just another traffic violation. Reckless driving under Connecticut law is a criminal misdemeanor offense, not a ticket you can pay and forget. Judges…
Introduction: Your Rights vs. Police Powers It’s one of the most common questions people ask after a traffic stop or arrest: “Do police need a warrant to search my car?” In Connecticut, the answer is not simple. While the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, courts have long…
Maybe—but don’t assume you can. Whether you can return home after a domestic violence arrest in Connecticut depends on the release terms set right after the arrest and, more importantly, on the criminal protective order a judge issues at your first court appearance (usually the next business day). If that…
Every year, as summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, law enforcement across Connecticut ramps up efforts to crack down on drunk driving. What should be a time for family barbecues, beach trips, and celebrating the last long weekend of summer often turns into one of the busiest periods…
Summary Charge: Larceny in the 6th Degree (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-125b) applies when the value is $500 or less and the State claims you intended not to pay for the merchandise. Self-checkout cases often start as “failure to scan” or “skip-scan” incidents flagged by store systems or loss-prevention (LP).…
Organized retail theft and financial crimes are increasingly in the spotlight across Connecticut, particularly in wealthier communities such as Greenwich. While some people mistakenly believe these crimes are “minor” or simply involve shoplifting or creative accounting, the Stamford Superior Court treats them with the utmost seriousness. This article explores why…
Domestic violence cases in Connecticut are unique in how they are defined, prosecuted, and resolved compared to other criminal matters. While an assault in a bar and an assault between spouses may involve the same physical conduct, the law treats them very differently because of the relationship between the parties…