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Hamden Gamer Charged With Threats Via Xbox

A Hamden man is facing multiple charges after taking to his Xbox LIVE profile to posts threatening messages. The 23 year old man was free on bond at the time the comments were posted and directed at a former friend.

The situation allegedly began last year in New Haven when the duo was pulled over. At that time the suspect was driving and a weapon was found underneath the passenger seat. The passenger told police the weapon was the driver’s and that he had witnessed him stash the gun there.

Following that incident the driver was charged with gun and drug possession while the passenger got off without any charges. Freed on $75,000 bail, the suspect took to the online gaming network to voice his frustrations.

The suspect is alleged to have said things like “Rats die slow” and “I wouldn’t laugh 2 much U a dead man walking” according to the New Haven Register. He turned himself over to police on the new charges just a few days ago.

Now, the young man faces additional charges of tampering with a witness, intimidating a witness, and two counts of second degree harassment. For these charges, his bail is now set at $50,000 and he is due back in court on April 30.

The two harassment charges alone could get him a total of 6 months in jail and $1000 in fines. Add these to the tampering charges and the drug and weapons charges from the earlier date and this gamer is looking at some serious penalties for his reported mistakes.

It’s not unusual for someone to face multiple criminal charges at once. Often, when a criminal offense is believed to have been committed there are several criminal statutes that apply. On one hand, however, the multiple charges make good bargaining tools for attorneys during plea negotiations.

If you are facing criminal charges and overwhelmed at the stakes mounting against you, call me today. An aggressive defense attorney can make a huge difference in court.

New License Plate Scanners in Orange, CT

Police in Orange now have access to the latest in high tech vehicle plate scanning technology. According to this new report from the New Haven Register, the system developed by Vigilant Video automatically scans vehicle license plates, and matches them with data from from DMV records, police databases, and amber alerts.
The targets for these scans are stolen vehicles, cars with expired auto insurance or registrations, and driver's with licenses under suspension, or outstanding criminal warrants.
Are there concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and big brother here? You bet!
But it is important for everyone to know that is is happening now, regardless of whether or not you are for it, or think it is a good idea for the government to have this kind of extensive citizen tracking information at it's fingertips.
The fact is, with this technology becoming more commonplace every day, it is dangerous and foolish to expect to get away with driving on a suspended license.

Connecticut Lawmakers Consider Decriminalization of Marijuana

In a trend that we are seeing nationwide, lawmakers in Connecticut this week heard testimony on a bill that would decriminalize a small amount of personal marijuana. Senate Bill 349 would bring the state up to speed with several others that consider a small amount of marijuana a ticketable infraction.

While many states have legalized medicinal marijuana, some are still working on decriminalization. The term decriminalization refers to making possession of a small amount (in this case less than 1 ounce) of marijuana an infraction rather than a crime.

While the bill isn’t without opponents, numerous other states decriminalized pot as early as the 1970s. The legislation before Connecticut lawmakers would penalize those found in possession of less than one ounce with a fine. Currently, the law considers this amount to be a misdemeanor.
Until the legislation is passed, you can face up to one year in jail if caught with a small amount of weed.

For your first offense, if you are caught with a quarter ounce, under current law, you are punished similarly as if you are caught with 3 ounces. This is because the threshold for misdemeanor marijuana possession is currently 4 ounces. Anything more than 4 ounces is a felony.

While the cause has generated buzz across the country as other states consider their own marijuana legislation, don’t get caught up in the hype. A similar bill died last May when it was filibustered by a staunch opponent in a Senate committee hearing. Just over a year ago, a referendum to decriminalize less than 1 oz of marijuana passed in Massachusetts.

If you are charged with possession of marijuana under the current laws, a defense attorney is a wise choice. When faced with any criminal offense, you have the right to be defended by a lawyer.

Having handled numerous marijuana cases at all levels, I can help with yours. Contact me today to discuss the charges against you and how I might be able to help.

Connecticut Lawmakers Consider Stun Gun Law

The Connecticut state legislature is considering making it legal for the people of the state to carry stun guns for personal protection. The Taser company, located in Scottsdale Arizona, estimates 200,000 Americans already carry the devices; this law would make it legally acceptable in this state.

Currently, a taser or stun gun, is considered a weapon under state law, subject to strict regulations. Because people want to feel safe in public, many are urging lawmakers to allow the legal carry of the weapons for personal protection.

While many states have passed or are considering making it okay to carry guns in public places, the relatively less serious tasers are still causing some backlash. According to the Courant, some opposing the legislation are concerned about the potential for heart attacks caused by the weapons.
Just like firearms, tasers are considered weapons. And just like firearms, they are heavily regulated in Connecticut and across the country. Although we are guaranteed the right to bear arms by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, states can regulate that right, enacting laws to control when and how we are able to use and even possess those weapons.

Stories in the news of law violators being caught with guns only further fuel the public’s perception of guns and other weapons as innately dangerous. This story, for instance, from the Connecticut Post details a case involving weapons, drugs, and threatening. Cases that feature more than one law violation are automatically seen as more serious, particularly by the public at large.

When you are caught in possession of a weapon, whether it is a gun or a taser, you may be concerned about how it can affect your future. Sure you have a right to bear arms, but that right doesn’t override state laws.

If you are facing charges like carrying a dangerous weapon or unlawful discharge, both felonies, call me today. Having handled cases just like this, I am confident I can help you with yours.

Significant Crime Reduction in New Haven

A press conference held by outgoing Police Chief James Lewis indicates he is leaving New Haven a safer place. According to this article from the New Haven Register crime in the city is at an all time low thanks to a cooperative effort from police and citizens.

Not only did homicides drop from 23 in 2008 to 12 last year but shootings, aggravated assaults, larcenies, and car thefts also dropped. Chief Lewis is reported as saying, “Over 1,000 less people were victimized in 2009 than in 2008…the lowest number of crime victims in the city of New Haven in recorded history.”

The Police Chief states that much of this decline is due to a community that has said “enough is enough” and taken action in making their neighborhoods safer places to be.

In addition, traffic citations are up, leading to more handgun seizures and safer streets.

Increased police presence has a tendency to decrease the motivation for crime or at least the commission of highly visible crimes like prostitution and street corner drug deals.

While this is good for the city and its inhabitants, those accused of crime really don’t have a stake in the overall crime rate. When you are behind bars awaiting a court date, what’s happening on the streets is typically the least of your concerns.

Whether up against drug charges or a 1st degree assault case, the stress and nervousness is the same. Not knowing what to expect and just how to handle the accusations against you can be both frightening and nerve-wracking. Having a defense lawyer on your side can make a big difference.

In a town where crime is at an all time low, you can be sure that the courts will be motivated to keep it that way. Going hard on accused criminals is just one way in which the justice system hopes to discourage others from committing crimes. Being made an example of can be devastating.

If you are facing criminal charges and need legal assistance, I can help. Contact me today for a free consultation on your case.

Massachusetts Cop Faces Connecticut Harassment Investigation and Possible Charges

A domestic violence victim’s advocate has allegedly become a victim herself in a case involving her ex-boyfriend, a Holyoke Massachusetts cop. Paul Barkyoumb is now reported to be under investigation for harassment by the Connecticut State Police for threatening text messages he sent to Michelle Cruz.

According to Fairfield Weekly, Cruz works as the state of Connecticut’s victim advocate. Her position apparently helped convince her to come forward in reporting her ex to the police. “If the victim advocate is afraid to get a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend because he’s a cop, how could I ever tell anyone else to get one?”

Cruz apparently met and started dating Barkyoumb when she was an assistant district attorney in Massachusetts. The two broke it off in April of 2009. At that time, reportedly due to harassment, she asked for a restraining order from a Massachusetts judge who denied the request due to insufficient evidence of threat.

Now, however, there is a restraining order in place, an internal investigation at the Holyoke Police Department, and a harassment investigation by the Connecticut State Police.

The legal action is a result of anonymous threatening text messages that Cruz has been receiving on her cell phone. According to the report these messages conveyed threats of retaliation. Barkyoumb maintains his innocence, however.

As this Fairfield Weekly article shows, neither of the two are strangers to controversy. Cruz has made several opponents throughout her career and Barkyoumb has been accused of delivering false testimony and possibly mishandling evidence that resulted in several drug cases being lost by the state.

Stalking and harassment cases typically arise between two people who once had a relationship. When a lover is scorned, their emotional pain sometimes motivates them to do things outside the norm. Just like domestic violence, cases like these are heavy with emotion and stress for all parties involved.

If you are accused of harassing someone, you may not be guilty. Perhaps, however, you let your emotions get the best of you and are now facing serious criminal charges and even a potential jail sentence because of it.

Contact me today to discuss your domestic violence or harassment case. I will be happy to listen and offer some free legal advice.