Criminal Defense

Is a DUI a Felony in Connecticut?

Published on: August 31, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

One of the very first questions I hear from clients who call me after a DUI arrest is: “Am I facing a felony?”

It’s a fair question — the word “felony” carries a lot of weight. Felonies mean harsher penalties, longer jail time, and lifelong consequences that can affect jobs, housing, and your future.

The good news is that in Connecticut, most first-time DUI arrests are not felonies. If this is your first offense, it will usually be treated as a misdemeanor. In many cases, there are diversionary programs available — such as the Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) — that can keep your record clean if you complete them successfully.

The New Twist in Sweetheart Scams: Crypto, Stolen Checks, and Criminal Charges

Published on: August 30, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Online romance scams — often called “sweetheart scams” — have been around for years.

However, scammers have recently shifted their tactics. Instead of only asking victims to wire money directly, they are now manipulating people into becoming “money mules.”

How the Scam Works

Expungement vs. Criminal Pardon in Connecticut (Plus: The Clean Slate Law Explained)

Published on: August 30, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Clearing Your Record in Connecticut

Many of my clients say, “I’m tired of my past holding me back.”
One old record can derail job interviews, housing applications, and professional licensing—even years later.

Connecticut now offers three legal pathways to clear your record: expungement, pardons, and the new Clean Slate law.
Choosing the right path starts with knowing what qualifies—and what doesn’t.

Connecticut First-Time Offender Guide: Jail or Second Chance?

Published on: August 29, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

court-300x225 Getting arrested for the first time in Connecticut is terrifying. I hear the same question from almost every client after their first arrest: “Am I going to jail?” The short answer is that while jail is technically possible, in most first-offense cases, there are alternatives that can keep your record clean and keep you out of a cell.

Jail Is Rare for First-Time Offenders

Connecticut judges and prosecutors understand that people make mistakes. The law provides them with tools to resolve first-offense cases without sending someone to jail. Unless your case involves a serious felony, violence, or repeated conduct, jail is usually not the outcome.

Is Being a Sugar Baby Illegal in Connecticut?

Published on: August 28, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

I get this question a lot: “Is being a sugar baby illegal?” With so many people—especially college students and young professionals—turning to apps and websites to meet older partners, it’s natural to wonder if you could get in trouble. While technically not prostitution itself, a sugar baby arrangement must not cross the line into providing sexual favors for financial consideration. In most instances, it is perfectly legal for consenting adults to engage in intimate relationships and for one partner to give gifts to the other. However, it is essential to be careful not to push the boundaries and turn a mutually beneficial relationship into some form of prostitution that could be criminal. There are dozens of websites and apps that promote themselves as being sugar dating platforms, connecting older, wealthier men or women with younger men or women. Some of the more well-known ones have been featured prominently in media reports

The Short answer: It depends on how the arrangement is set up. Simply dating someone older who helps with rent or gives gifts isn’t automatically illegal. But Connecticut has strict laws against prostitution, and crossing that line can put you at legal risk.

As a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer, here’s a plain-English breakdown of where the dangers are and what happens if police decide to investigate.

Connecticut’s Mandatory Domestic Violence Arrest: How “He Said, She Said” Becomes a Case

Published on: August 28, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

What “probable cause” really means—and why words alone can trigger an arrest

I hear it all the time: “How can they charge me? There’s no evidence—it’s just her word against mine.” In Connecticut, that can still lead to handcuffs. Under the mandatory arrest rule for domestic cases, one sworn statement, along with probable cause, is often sufficient for police to make an arrest—no photos, no video, and no outside witnesses are required.

Quick Snapshot

Why Connecticut Police Make Arrests in Domestic Violence Calls – Even If No One Wants To

Published on: August 27, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 I hear it from clients all the time: “We just had an argument… nobody wanted to press charges. So why did I end up in handcuffs?” The answer is one statute that catches people off guard every single day: Connecticut’s mandatory arrest law for domestic violence cases. Once 911 is dialed and police arrive, you lose control over what happens next. In other situations, clients who were being abused called 911, and they wind up getting arrested, also, and don’t understand why the police would arrest the victim.

At a glance

Probable cause = arrest. In CT domestic calls, if officers believe a crime occurred, they must arrest.

Out-of-State Visitors Arrested in Connecticut: What You Need to Know

Published on: August 26, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Visiting Connecticut for business, a family gathering, or just a weekend getaway should be stress-free. Unfortunately, I’ve seen countless people find themselves in legal trouble here—sometimes for something as simple as a traffic stop that escalates, or a misunderstanding at a hotel or restaurant. Being arrested in a state where you don’t live can feel overwhelming: you’re far from home, don’t know the local laws, and now you’re worried about missing work, family obligations, or worse—going to jail in a state you don’t even live in.

As a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of out-of-state clients navigate these situations. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing charges while visiting Connecticut.

Common Situations Where Out-of-State Visitors Are Arrested in Connecticut

How to Handle a Connecticut Protective Order When You Share a Home or Kids

Published on: August 25, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 If you’ve just been served with a protective order in Connecticut, you may be wondering, “Where will I sleep tonight?” or “How can I see my kids?” For many people, these orders come as a shock—especially when they are issued on the very first court date, often without hearing your side of the story.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we’ve helped clients in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and throughout Connecticut navigate these high-stakes situations for over 30 years. This guide explains what you need to know, what mistakes to avoid, and how we can fight to protect your rights, your family, and your future.

What Is a Connecticut Protective Order?

When Can Police Arrest You Without a Warrant in Connecticut?

Published on: August 24, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

police-line-1-300x225 Being arrested can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life—especially when you don’t understand why it happened. Many people believe police always need a warrant signed by a judge to make an arrest, but that’s not the case. Connecticut law allows police to arrest you without a warrant in several situations, particularly when immediate action is necessary to protect public safety or prevent a suspect from fleeing.

Understanding when police can make a warrantless arrest is critical to protecting your rights. Here’s what you need to know—and how a lawyer can step in to help you.

1. Crimes Committed in the Officer’s Presence