Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog

Why Connecticut Judges Take Reckless Driving So Seriously?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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 across the state treat reckless driving harshly because they see it as a serious threat to public safety.

Reckless driving cases are not about how fast you were going on a particular day; they are about what could have happened. Judges deal with the tragic aftermath of accidents caused by reckless drivers every week, and that perspective shapes how these cases are handled in court.

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

Published on: August 20, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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.

Can You Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Connecticut?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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 order bars you from the residence or from any contact with the protected person, going home—even to grab a toothbrush—can be a felony.

The Timeline: What Happens in the First 24–72 Hours

Most people experience the early stages of a Connecticut domestic violence case like this:

DUI Arrests Spike Around Labor Day in Connecticut – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on: August 19, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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 for DUI arrests.

If you’re facing a DUI charge after a Labor Day stop, you are not alone. Thousands of drivers find themselves in this situation every year. And while a DUI charge is serious, it does not have to define your life or your future. In this blog, I’ll explain why DUI arrests spike around Labor Day, what Connecticut law says about DUI, what penalties you could face, and most importantly, what steps you should take if you or someone you know is arrested.

Why Do DUI Arrests Increase Around Labor Day?

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 Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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 Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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?

What Makes a Crime a Domestic Violence Case in Connecticut, and How Are They Handled Differently?

Published on: August 18, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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 and the broader social concerns surrounding family violence. Understanding these distinctions is critical both for those accused and for their families.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, domestic violence (also referred to as “family violence”) is not a separate criminal charge, but rather a designation applied to certain crimes when they occur between people in particular types of relationships. These include:

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.

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

Published on: August 16, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

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.

What Is the Role of the Family Relations Officer in a Domestic Violence Case in Connecticut?

Published on: August 15, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Lady-Justice--e1581224208144-225x300 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 Officer (FRO). Many people are surprised to learn how much influence this person can have over the conditions of your release, the type of protective order imposed, and, in some cases, the entire direction of your case. This article explains in detail the role of the Family Relations Officer in Connecticut domestic violence cases, how they operate within the court system, what you should expect when you meet with them, and why you need to approach this meeting carefully.

Who Is the Family Relations Officer?

A Family Relations Officer is an employee of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division (CSSD). They are not police officers, prosecutors, or defense attorneys — they are neutral court officials assigned to handle cases involving family violence. Their stated mission is to assess risk, provide recommendations to the court, and help ensure both public safety and the fair treatment of defendants.