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Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog

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avvo-ratingVisiting 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

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Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200If 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?

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police-line-1-300x225Being 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

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court-1-300x225Missing a court date in Connecticut is serious—but it doesn’t have to ruin your case. In many situations, an experienced Connecticut Failure to Appear Lawyer can take immediate action to fix the problem and prevent the worst consequences. Here’s what actually happens if you miss court in Connecticut and how a lawyer can help, including filing a motion to vacate a rearrest order.

Step 1: The Bail Commissioner’s Letter

If you miss a scheduled court date for a misdemeanor or family violence case, the Bail Commissioner’s Office will typically send you a letter:

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avvo-ratingLegal 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.

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Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200Protective orders are one of the most important tools in Connecticut’s legal system to address domestic violence and family disputes. They are designed to protect alleged victims from harm, but they also carry serious implications for those subject to them. Violating a protective order can lead to severe criminal penalties, including felony charges under C.G.S. § 53a-223.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of protective orders in Connecticut—covering what they are, how they are issued, the different types, how to seek modifications or terminations, and why legal representation is essential.

What Is a Protective Order?

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police-line-1-300x225When 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

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Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200Domestic violence cases in Connecticut are treated with the utmost seriousness. The moment an arrest is made in a family violence case, the court will almost always issue a protective order to shield the alleged victim. While these orders are designed to ensure safety, they can also place significant restrictions on the accused—sometimes prohibiting all contact with a spouse, partner, or even their own children.

Violating a protective order is not just a minor technicality. It is a felony offense under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-223 that can lead to prison, crippling fines, and long-term damage to your reputation, career, and family life. Understanding what these orders entail, how violations are charged, and what options you have for defense is critical.

The Three Levels of Protective Orders in Connecticut

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avvo-ratingBeing pulled over by the police can be nerve-wracking. The flashing lights in your rearview mirror, the sound of the siren — it’s enough to make anyone anxious. But what if you panic and drive away? In Connecticut, leaving the scene of a traffic stop is one of the worst decisions you can make. What might have been a minor infraction or a warning can quickly escalate into criminal charges that carry jail time, license suspension, and long-term consequences for your future.

This article breaks down what Connecticut law says about fleeing a traffic stop, the charges you could face, why courts treat these cases harshly, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help.

Why Do Drivers Sometimes Flee?

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Lambo--300x225Introduction: 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.

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