Connecticut Risk of Injury to a Minor Lawyer

Published on: September 6, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Being arrested for Risk of Injury to a Minor is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences a parent or caregiver can go through. Under Connecticut law, this charge is codified in Connecticut General Statutes §53-21. It’s incredibly broad, and because of that, police often tack it onto cases where children are even near the alleged misconduct.

For example, if you are arrested for domestic violence and children are in the home, you could also face Risk of Injury charges. If you are stopped for DUI with your kids in the car, Risk of Injury is almost always added. Police use this statute as a catch-all to protect children, but it often sweeps up people who never intended to harm anyone.

The stakes could not be higher: Risk of Injury is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a permanent felony record. Beyond that, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) typically becomes involved, placing your parental rights under scrutiny.

Can You Be Charged with DUI When You’re Not Driving?

Published on: September 3, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Connecticut’s Shockingly Broad Definition of “Operation”

Here’s the hard truth: even if you know you’re intoxicated and pull off the road to a parking lot or stop your car to avoid driving further, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI in Connecticut. You don’t even have to be driving down the road. Simply sitting in your car under the wrong circumstances is considered “operation.”

In my view, that’s a poor policy decision. It punishes people who are actually trying to do the responsible thing and not endanger others by driving further. But it is the law. The Connecticut Appellate Court in State v. Ducatt, 22 Conn. App. 88 (1990) held that “operation” includes taking actions such as inserting the key into the ignition or sitting in a running vehicle, even if the car never moves an inch.

Marijuana and Drugged Driving in Connecticut

Published on: September 2, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

The Big Misconception

Now that marijuana is legal in Connecticut, a lot of people think it’s safe to light up and drive. I can’t tell you how many calls I get from people who are stunned when they get arrested for DUI after smoking the night before, or even hours earlier. They’ll say to me, “But I thought it was legal now?”

Here’s the truth: marijuana may be legal to use, but it is still absolutely illegal to drive under its influence. Police in Connecticut are watching closely, and cannabis DUI cases are being prosecuted just as aggressively as alcohol DUIs.

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.

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.

Why Connecticut DMV Per Se Hearings Are So Hard to Win

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

Introduction – The Reality No One Tells You

When you’re arrested for DUI in Connecticut, most people think the biggest threat is the criminal case. They picture a courtroom, a judge, maybe a jury. But there’s another fight—one that hits faster, with fewer protections, and can be just as damaging: the DMV, per se, license suspension hearing.

I’ve been defending DUI cases across Stamford and throughout Connecticut for over 30 years. Here’s the truth: these hearings are often harder to win than the criminal case. The rules are different, the standards are lower, and the stakes are high. If you don’t act fast, you could lose your license by default.

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

Published on: August 23, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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.

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 Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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.

10 Costly Mistakes People Make After a DUI Arrest in Connecticut

Published on: August 8, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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.

Defending First-Time DUI Charges in Connecticut: A Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Guide

Published on: August 4, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Lady-Justice--e1581224208144-225x300 As a Connecticut criminal defense attorney, I often work with individuals who’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) for the first time. A first-time DUI in Connecticut can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never been in trouble with the law before.

The good news? A skilled Connecticut DUI defense lawyer can often help first-time offenders avoid a conviction and preserve their driver’s license. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including penalties, defense strategies, and how a criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the process.

What Is a DUI in Connecticut?