Posted on October 10, 2017 in Juvenile Crimes

Adolescents are notorious for their hasty and often poor decision-making. While this type of behavior is often just a nuisance for parents, it can have serious consequences when the youth’s actions lead to criminal charges, as having a permanent criminal record can make it difficult to secure employment, find housing, join the military, or take advantage of educational opportunities. Fortunately, those who are prosecuted as juveniles may be able to have their records expunged, so if you or your child were convicted of an offense in juvenile court, it is critical to contact a Fairfield criminal defense attorney who can walk you through the process of erasing your criminal record.

Eligibility

When a minor commits a crime, his or her case will most likely be adjudicated in juvenile court. However, this is only true when the minor qualifies as a youthful offender, which means that he or she has not been charged with any serious offenses and does not have a prior criminal record. These offenders are generally given more privacy, as their proceedings are not public and are conducted separately from adult criminal matters. Furthermore, the records of youthful offenders are erased automatically when they turn 21 years old, but only if they:

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 Posted on October 03, 2017 in Drug Charges

In May, the Connecticut Legislature made some minor changes to the laws criminalizing the manufacture and sale of controlled substances. These changes will officially go into effect on October 1, 2017. Despite the clarifications made by Connecticut lawmakers, navigating the state’s drug-related statutes can be difficult, so if you have been charged with the manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance, it is important to speak with an experienced Norwalk drug charges lawyer who can help you formulate a defense.

Narcotics and Hallucinogenic Substances

Under Connecticut law, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, distribute, transport, possess (with the intent to sell), or administer controlled substances that qualify as:

• Narcotic substances; or
• Hallucinogenic substances.

Hallucinogenic substances are defined as including psychodysleptic substances, other than cannabis, that have a disorganizing or confusing effect upon the user’s mental processes or behaviors. Ingesting these types of substances can lead the user to experience visions, sounds, or sensations that are not based in reality. Common examples include mushrooms, peyote, PCP, and d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

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 Posted on September 25, 2017 in Juvenile Crimes

As part of a broader mission to reduce juvenile prosecution and recidivism across the country, Governor Dannel Malloy introduced a bill that would raise the age of criminal responsibility to 21 years old. If passed, this bill could have extremely important repercussions for any youthful offenders being charged or prosecuted in Connecticut. If you or your child have been charged with a criminal offense and you have questions about the current law or how the new law could affect you, please contact an experienced Stamford criminal defense attorney who can address your concerns.

The Benefits of Reform

Last year, Governor Malloy proposed a similar law that would have raised the age when a juvenile could be charged as an adult to 21 years old. Although the law stalled in the Connecticut Legislature, the new bill has received support from a number of different groups in the state. The reintroduction is also part of a country-wide effort to lower recidivism among youth offenders. In fact, at least three other states are considering similar proposals.

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 Posted on September 18, 2017 in Drug Charges

In July, seventeen individuals were charged with federal drug trafficking of both powder and crack cocaine in central Connecticut. Although drug trafficking is also prohibited by state law, the defendants in this case face federal charges as a result of their use of the U.S. mail to transport the substances across state lines. In addition to drug trafficking, the individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute. If convicted, the defendants could face a minimum of ten years in prison.

All drug charges should be taken seriously, but federal drug offenses are even more aggressively investigated and prosecuted than their state counterparts, so if you have been accused of federal drug trafficking, it is critical to speak with an experienced Norwalk drug charges attorney who will aggressively represent your interests.

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 Posted on September 11, 2017 in Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a serious crime in Connecticut and even a first time offense can result in jail time, a hefty fine, and a 45 day license suspension. Fortunately, there are programs available to first time offenders that can help them avoid these types of harsh penalties, so if you were arrested for driving under the influence, you should consider speaking with an experienced Fairfield DUI attorney who can explain your legal options.

The Alcohol Education Program

In Connecticut, some first time DUI offenders qualify for admittance into the Alcohol Education Program (AEP). The AEP is a state diversionary program that requires participants to:

• Complete weekly one hour classes over a ten to fifteen week period; and
• Attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel.

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 Posted on August 28, 2017 in Criminal Defense

In 2011, Connecticut passed a law that created the Risk Reduction Earned Credit (RREC) program. Under this program, eligible inmates of any security level could participate in classes and programs that could help them earn five days off of their sentence every month. In 2016, however, the Department of Corrections Commissioner authorized changes to how the credits are awarded. The updated policy creates an incentive for participants to progress to the lowest security risk level, where it is possible to earn more credits per month. Those who are assigned to the highest risk level, on the other hand, earn the least amount of credits. To learn more about the RREC program and whether you are eligible to earn credits, please contact a member of our dedicated criminal defense legal team today.

Security Risk Levels

Before assigning someone a security risk level, official assess a variety of factors when an offender is first admitted to a facility, including:

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 Posted on August 21, 2017 in Drug Charges

In Connecticut, marijuana possession is unlawful and can result in fines and even jail time. Fortunately, there are a variety of defenses that can be raised to counter these types of charges, so if you live in Norwalk and have been arrested for or formally charged with possession of marijuana or another drug, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can explain your legal options.

Possession of Less Than Half Ounce

The severity of a marijuana possession charge depends on how much of the drug was found on the defendant’s person and whether he or she has a prior criminal record. For instance, those who are arrested with less than half an ounce of marijuana will only be charged a $150 fine for a first offense, while the fine for a subsequent offense increases to between $200 and $500. Third-time violators must pay for, attend, and complete a drug education class. Those who are under the age of 21 years old will also have their driver’s license suspended for two months.

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 Posted on August 14, 2017 in Criminal Defense

Last month, a recently enacted law went into effect that, with a few exceptions, will prevent judges from setting money bail for certain low-level misdemeanor offenses. The new law is expected to significantly reduce the state’s pretrial prison population and cut state spending, while keeping non-violent offenders out of jail until their trials. If you were recently charged with a crime or have questions about how the new law could affect you, you should contact a Fairfield criminal defense lawyer who can address your concerns and advise you on your next steps.

An Act Concerning Pretrial Justice Reform

Last month, Governor Malloy signed the first of a series of laws intended to reform the state’s pretrial justice system. The new law, which was supported by both chambers is based partly on input provided by the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union. The law went into effect on July 1st and makes the following significant changes to state law:

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 Posted on August 07, 2017 in Driving Under the Influence

For many families utilizing the school system whether it be at a college or a preschool level, each year is more prominently separated by the academic year and vacation times. While school is in session, there is a schedule to which to adhere, which demands most of the daylight hours during the shorter days. During the summer the days are much longer, and routine has a tendency of being pushed by the wayside. It is also interesting to note that crime levels rise during the months in which students are out of school. One crime that is no exception is driving under the influence (DUI).

The Spike Is Not a Myth

If you obtain your information from individuals on the street, you hear different answers for any topic asked. The same holds true for the spike in crime. According to the annual National Crime Victimization Survey, Criminal charges spike as much as 12 percent during the warmer summer months. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most unsafe month in which to drive on the road is August when it comes to traffic-related fatalities. Consider these statistics:

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 Posted on July 31, 2017 in Driving Under the Influence

Those who are convicted of driving under the influence in Connecticut face serious penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

Convictions can also go on a person’s criminal record, which can have far-reaching consequences, and make it difficult to secure employment or find housing.

To ensure that you receive the best possible defense, you should speak with an experienced Norwalk DUI attorney who may be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

State Law

Connecticut DUI law prohibits a person from driving:

• While under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or
• With an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC).

Whether a person is considered to be driving under the influence depends on a number of factors, including whether his or her ability to drive was affected to an appreciable degree. Under this law, a person can be prosecuted even when there is no direct evidence of intoxication from a BAC test.

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