Connecticut Marijuana & Drug DUI: What You Need to Know in 2025

Published on: August 23, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

Legal Weed, Serious Risks: The Reality of Driving Under the Influence in Connecticut

Recreational marijuana is now legal for adults in Connecticut—but don’t mistake legalization for a free pass to drive after using cannabis. Law enforcement has ramped up efforts to crack down on drugged driving, and a conviction can have devastating consequences: loss of your license, steep fines, possible jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

At The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, we’ve been defending clients accused of DUI and drug offenses in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and across Connecticut for over 30 years. Here’s what you need to know about how the law works, why these cases are so aggressively prosecuted, and how we fight to protect our clients’ futures.

Is It a Crime to Lie to the Police in Connecticut?

Published on: August 22, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

police-line-1-300x225 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 in many instances, it’s a crime that could result in jail time and a permanent criminal record.

This article provides a comprehensive look at Connecticut’s laws on false statements, when a lie becomes a prosecutable offense, your right to remain silent, potential penalties, and strategies for defending against these charges.

Lying to Police in Connecticut: The Legal Framework

Do Police Need a Warrant to Search Your Car in Connecticut?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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 treated automobiles differently from homes. Cars are mobile, so police are often given more leeway to search them without a warrant.

Larceny in the 6th Degree for “Failure to Scan” at Self-Checkout in Connecticut: What Defendants Need to Know

Published on: August 19, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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). The legal question is intent.

Why Organized Retail Theft and Financial Crimes in Greenwich Are Treated So Seriously in Stamford Court

Published on: August 18, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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 these offenses draw such significant attention, what penalties defendants may face, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can protect your rights.

Understanding Organized Retail Theft

What Is Organized Retail Theft?

Why You Should Never Submit to a Field Sobriety Test in Connecticut DUI Cases – And Why You Should Almost Always Consent to a Breathalyzer Test

Published on: August 17, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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, what you decide to do in the minutes after being stopped can have a massive impact on the outcome of your case.

Many people don’t realize that you have the right to refuse certain tests—but refusing others could cause serious problems. Specifically, you should never submit to field sobriety tests in Connecticut, but you should almost always consent to a breathalyzer test.

How Connecticut’s Pretrial Diversion Programs Can Help First-Time Offenders Avoid a Criminal Record

Published on: August 16, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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 wheel—can result in charges that threaten your reputation, your career, and your future opportunities. Thankfully, Connecticut law provides several pretrial diversion programs designed to give people who have never been in trouble before a chance to avoid a permanent criminal record.

In this article, we’ll explain how Connecticut’s diversionary programs work, the eligibility criteria, the benefits, and the role of an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer in helping clients secure admission into these programs. With a deep dive into each major program, expanded analysis, case examples, defense strategies, and practical guidance, this article provides a comprehensive guide for anyone facing criminal charges in Connecticut for the first time.

10 Costly Mistakes People Make After a DUI Arrest in Connecticut

Published on: August 8, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Connecticut, your next steps can mean the difference between protecting your future and making matters worse. As an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen how even well-meaning people make critical errors that damage their cases. This expanded guide not only breaks down the ten most common—and most costly—mistakes people make after a DUI arrest in Connecticut, but also provides real-world case examples to show how these mistakes can impact your outcome.

1. Talking to Police Without a Lawyer Present

After a DUI arrest, you might feel tempted to “explain” your side. In Connecticut, anything you say can and will be used against you. Many clients think cooperating fully means telling their story right away—but police are trained to gather evidence, not to clear your name.

The 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Arrest Warrants in Connecticut

Published on: August 7, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

If you’ve been told there’s a warrant out for your arrest—or even if you just suspect it—it’s natural to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of your next move. Arrest warrants in Connecticut can result from missed court dates, criminal investigations, or violations of probation. As a Stamford-based criminal defense lawyer, I receive daily calls from people just like you, seeking clear answers.

This blog post answers the 10 most frequently asked questions about arrest warrants in Connecticut, with a focus on what residents in Stamford and Fairfield County should know. Whether you’ve been arrested before or this is your first legal scare, this 3,000-word guide will help you understand your rights and options.

1. What is an arrest warrant in Connecticut?

Know Your Rights During a Connecticut Police Stop or Arrest

Published on: August 5, 2025 | by The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman

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Being stopped or arrested by police in Connecticut can be intimidating. Whether you are in Stamford, Bridgeport, or anywhere else in the state, understanding your rights during a police encounter can make a significant difference in protecting your freedom and strengthening your defense. This guide explains your rights, how to assert them, and illustrates with real Connecticut scenarios.

Your Rights at a Connecticut Police Stop

Q: Do I have to answer questions during a police stop?