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.

Farmington CT Police Looking for Diamond Thief

Typically when you think of “shoplifting”, you think of some kids stealing snacks or, at the worst, some boosting of clothing and merchandise at the mall. The Courant recently published a story, however, revealing the surveillance photo of a man accused of “shoplifting” $36,000 in diamonds.

The story isn’t specific about how the theft went down, but they do say that the unknown thief made off with three diamonds from Monarch Jewelers on Farmington Avenue.

Similar thefts from jewelers often go something like this. A nice, interested customer asks to see a tray of jewelry or loose diamonds that is behind the glass. Once it is in the open, the thief grabs and dashes for the door. Not a very high tech theft attempt, but obviously one that has limited success.

Police have not yet identified the man seen in surveillance photos, though they are likely chomping at the bit to get him into custody.

In Connecticut, the charge you face for theft is directly related to the amount of money or value of the items stolen. In this case, with the reported value being about $36,000, the thief would be looking at Grand Larceny charges.

Grand larceny is a Class B felony and the most serious theft charge under Connecticut law. It carries a potential 20 year prison sentence and fines reaching $15,000.

There are many ways to get a theft charge and shoplifting is only one. You could be charged with theft for taking something from someone you know without permission. Perhaps you are accused of embezzling funds from your employer or obtaining services by fraud.

All of these are theft charges and all of them carry fairly serious penalties. If you are up against any type of theft or white collar crime charge in the state of Connecticut, call me today.
I can help you figure out the best way to handle the charges and together we can work towards the best possible results.

Hartford Man Rejects What Could Have Been a Lenient Plea Agreement

A man who had previously pled guilty to charges of 1st degree assault, two counts of 1st degree robbery, and 1st degree aggravated sexual assault rejected a plea deal at the last minute, instead electing to head to trial in a move that is likely being questioned by all those around him.

Twenty-one year old Antoney Drummond had originally been okay with a potential 20 years that the plea agreement had suggested. When the case was brought before Superior Court Judge David P. Gold, however, Gold wanted the option of adding another 5 years, something that the defendant just couldn’t bring himself to agree to.

The details of the case are what led Judge Gold to request the additional 5 years after hearing them explained by prosecutor Chris Pelosi.

According to the Hartford Courant, the defendant was accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint on Albany Avenue. He allegedly took the few dollars she had and then forced her onto the ground next to her car where he raped her. The rape was interrupted by a witness who was also said to have been robbed by Drummond before he left the scene.

Following his arrest, Mr. Drummond allegedly confessed to the crime and DNA was recovered from the victim linking him to the incident. Incidentally, the DNA also linked him to a similar rape which occurred on May 5, 2008.

Despite all this evidence, Drummond wants to go to trial. Judge Gold cautioned Drummond, telling him the chances of him seeing a better outcome at trial weren’t very good considering the evidence. Drummond faces a total of 90 years if convicted and this is only related to the December charges.


Plea agreements are only made when both parties are satisfied with the details. In some cases they offer defendants a more lenient sentence or lesser charge. But, if a defendant decides the agreement isn’t in his best interest, he doesn’t have to go forward with it. This is why it is called an “agreement”.

Plea agreements are something that should be carefully analyzed by the defendant, with his attorney. Most cases in our state end in pleas, so knowing how the system works and having a defense attorney to help you through the plea process is crucial.

Whether you are facing charges of DUI to drug trafficking, the prosecution may offer you a plea deal. Contact me today so we can discuss the best possible plan for your case.

High Profile Attorney Pleads Not Guilty in Ct. Domestic Assault Case

A high profile attorney in Connecticut that formerly worked under both Bush Administrations pled not guilty this week in a case that accused him of trying to kill his wife with a flashlight after learning she wanted a divorce. The not guilty plea sets the stage for plea negotiations that could begin in a pre-trial conference scheduled for February 16th.

The formal charges against 57 year old John Michael Farren include attempted murder, strangulation, and first degree assault.

The incident that led to these charges occurred on January 6th of last year when his 43 year old wife was beaten unconscious with a flashlight. According to the Stamford Advocate she was left with a broken jaw, facial lacerations and fractures. When she regained consciousness she was apparently able to hit a panic alarm and get out of the house with the couple’s two children.

Two days prior to the incident, Farren’s wife had served him with divorce papers.

Domestic violence incidents are rarely this violent. However, it sometimes takes an extreme assault for a victim of such violence to seek help. It is quite common for victims of domestic violence to be ashamed of the violent relationship and want to keep it a secret.

Being accused of domestic violence like this, or even less serious cases, can be stressful and humiliating for all parties. When you are accused of beating your wife, girlfriend, or mother of your child, you will face shame and judgment from even those who you are closest to.

The mere accusation of domestic violence can end close relationships as family and friends typically seek to protect the alleged victim. Like Farren, if freed on bail in a case like this, you are typically barred from contacting the victim and even members of their family.

If you are facing charges of domestic assault or even assault of a stranger, I can help. When you think no one is on your side, you need a defense attorney in your corner willing to fight for your interests. Contact me today to discuss the details of your case.

"Sexting" Against the Law, Says CT Police Spokesmant

In an effort to scare kids into considering their online and texting behavior, a Connecticut police spokesman said that sexting is a crime.
"Sexting" is the sending of text messages with photos of an explicit or obscene nature. "Even between 14 year olds, sexting is a violation of child pornography laws", according to the statements of Lt. Donald Melanson, a West Hartford police spokesman in the Hartford Courant.
Child pornography offenses are felony level crimes, that can result in jail time, and permanent status as a registered sex offender, if prosecuted and found guilty.
Thought one presumes that reason would prevail in a case of kids acting irresponsibly, it's clear by this threat that the laws would support such a prosecution.
Legal reform in Connecticut is clearly necessary to make a distinction between dangerous adult sex offenders and child pornographers, and kids acting stupidly.