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…
Introduction: Protecting Your Rights After a DUI Arrest Getting pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Connecticut can be one of the most intimidating experiences of your life. The flashing lights, the officer’s questions, and the immediate pressure to comply with every request can leave you feeling powerless. However,…
Introduction: A Second Chance in the Criminal Justice System One of the most common concerns for first-time offenders in Connecticut is the long-term impact of a criminal conviction. A single mistake—whether it’s a bar fight, shoplifting, possession of a small amount of drugs, or a lapse in judgment behind the…
When you are arrested on a domestic violence charge in Connecticut, your first court appearance — often called the arraignment — will happen quickly, typically the next business day. One of the first people you will meet at court is not the judge or the prosecutor, but the Family Relations…