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.

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.

Connecticut Man Freed From Prison Following DNA Exoneration

After spending what should have been the best years of his life behind bars, 40 year old Kenneth Ireland is learning how to live in the real world once again.

Back in 1988 at the young age of 20, Ireland was convicted of raping and murdering Barbara Pelkey of Wallingford. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the crime that he maintained he was innocent of.

According to the New Haven Independent, The Innocence Project of Connecticut took on his case and after the DNA evidence was found to not belong to Ireland, got him a new trial. He was released in August on this premise.

In a similar case in 2006, a man named James Tillman was released after spending 18 years in Connecticut prisons for a rape he did not commit. Tillman’s case set the precedence allowing men like him and Ireland to file a claim with the State Claims Commissioner for monetary compensation. Tillman was awarded $5 million.

As this article from Fox 11 details, Ireland is spending his time readjusting to life on the outside of the prison walls. He admits that it is a big adjustment as he is adapting to devices he has never had to use and free for the first time in 20 years.

DNA evidence, though frequently used in television dramas, is more rarely used in real life. Organizations like the Innocence Project utilize DNA evidence to assist people who may have gotten caught up in shoddy police work, unfair investigations, or cases of mistaken identities.

Evidence takes many forms in a criminal investigation and the police and attorneys should always treat the evidence with the utmost care and interest. From fingerprints to eyewitness testimony, factors like this can mean the difference between years behind bars and walking away a free woman or man.

Whether you are facing drug charges or assault charges, the evidence should be examined by all parties, including your own defense attorney. If you have questions about the laws regarding evidence and how they affect your case, call me.

I will listen to your story and be able to offer some free legal advice.

Serial Connecticut Bank Robber Caught in Hartford

Within the past few weeks, the nation watched grainy surveillance video as a brazen woman walked into 6 banks and demanded money. She never disguised her face nor made any attempt to conceal her identity. Now, Heather Brown is in custody.

Brown, a 34 year old Connecticut resident, has a history of drug abuse and crime, according to this article from the Hartford Courant. She is currently on probation for charges of burglary, larceny, forgery, and prostitution. She was recently released from a 30 month prison bid for a 2006 bank robbery.

People believe it was drugs that led Brown to so boldly rob 6 banks in 6 days. As a matter of fact, when she was apprehended, she was found on the North End of Hartford where it is believed she was trying to purchase drugs.

Brown never showed a gun but claims, on a few occasions, that the bag she carried in the robberies contained a bomb. She is now being held on $250,000 bail and the full extent of her charges is not yet known.

Bank robbery is one of the most serious theft crimes because it contains a threat of violence. Robbery is a similar offense that puts individuals at risk.

With general theft crimes, also called larceny charges, the charge you face and the subsequent sentence are only based on the value of the property in question. Robbery falls under a completely different category all together.

If you face larceny charges, however, you could be facing something as small as a Class C misdemeanor charge in the case of 6th degree larceny, or as much as a Class B felony charge and up to 20 years in prison for Grand Larceny.

Typically offenses like this are committed out of need. Many people see the risk they take when committing a theft crime to be worth the potential outcome. They see it as worth the risk, that is, until they get caught.

If you are facing charges of larceny or robbery, I may be able to help. Call me today to discuss the details of your case.

No Age Limit on Connecticut Theft Charges

Don’t expect the Connecticut legal system to have pity on your because of your age or ability. Sixty-year old career burglar Okasana Lysenko is again in front of the judge for new charges.
Lysenko has 40 convictions on her record, according to the Hartford Courant. She has been in and out of the Connecticut prison system for these charges as well.

Her latest charge involves police finding her leaving a Bentwood home with stolen jewelry, gloves, and a screwdriver. Because of her past convictions, the gloves and screwdriver will no doubt be considered burglary tools.

The law is no stranger to Lysenko’s ways. Captain Joseph Lasata, of the West Hartford police, states “We’ve been arresting her for years”.

She currently has a 4th degree larceny charge pending in Hartford regarding an earlier April 16th arrest. Her latest arrest has landed her with new charges of 5th degree larceny, 3rd degree burglary, 2nd degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglar’s tools.

Lysenko is currently being held on $500,000 bail.

Although most theft offenders don’t return to court again and again like Ms. Lysenko seems to, it isn’t all that uncommon to see someone appear and reappear for similar charges. Unfortunately, the more times you appear before a judge, the less lenient they are likely to be if you are convicted and appear in court for sentencing.

If you are caught up in the legal system again, facing new charges, you need all the help you can get.

Some offenses have progressively harsher sentences for multiple offenses actually written into the law. DUI charges are a good example of this, getting stricter with each subsequent count.
Regardless of what the charge is, I may be able to help. We may be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution regarding your potential sentence. Depending on the case, we may even be able to get the charges against you dropped altogether.

If you are facing charges in Connecticut criminal courts, call me today for a free consultation.

Potential Sexual Assault, a Dead Body, and Missing Drugs Mark Connecticut’s 2009 Vibes Festival

Referred to as the Northeast’s “premier music, arts, and camping festival”, the third annual Vibes gathering occurred a few weeks ago in Seaside Park. The festival has been back and forth between locations over the last few decades but seems to have settled back in CT for a while.

This year’s festival was not without its interesting crime news. This article from the Connecticut Post reveals that the private agency responsible for security did not turn over confiscated drugs to the Connecticut police as they should have. This incident is under investigation.

Also, a body was found the second day of the festival. Despite early reports of a potential murder, it seems foul play is not suspected.

Lastly, a woman at the gathering reported she had possibly been sexually assaulted. This case is also being investigated.

Modeled after the lifestyle of Grateful Dead fans, drugs like marijuana and LSD aren’t all that unusual at the Vibes festival. While the majority of these types of gatherings are non violent and uneventful, the drugs are still against the law.

Many people in neighboring communities don’t like the temporary neighbors they get when the Vibes campers roll into town.

Despite the stigma around marijuana being far less than its other illegal drug counterparts, it can still pack a heavy punch when you are charged with possessing it.

Unfortunately, small amounts of marijuana have not been decriminalized in Connecticut as they have elsewhere. If you are found in possession of even a small personal stash, you can face criminal charges.

Some judges and prosecutors are willing to work out more lenient situations, however, for first time offenders.

If you are facing marijuana charges in the state of Connecticut, your best option is to retain a local attorney who is used to practicing in the area. Call me today to discuss your case.

Bird Fighting Rings Warrants Animal Cruelty Charges in CT

Typically if you hear of animals being trained to fight for human pleasure you think of dogs or even roosters. A recent case out of Danbury, however, uncovered the lesser known practice of finch fighting.

According to this article from the Connecticut Post, 150 finches were seized from a suburban home where they were being pitted against one another in battles to the death. Nineteen men were arrested, all of them Brazilian natives.

Despite the similarities between the charged parties, the police caution that this isn’t just a South American phenomena. People who want to wager money on the fights come from all walks of life and all nationalities.

So what’s the allure of using finches? They are smaller and quieter than roosters and dogs. The majority of the birds seized were saffron finches, typically used as house pets.

Police Sergeant John Krupinsky reveals that a good fighting bird can bring in $1,000 a fight and can sell for around $5,000. At the time of the arrests, about $8,000 in cash was also taken.

Occurrences like this are not the norm, but they do happen. A few years back the dog fighting case involving NFL baller Michael Vick opened the nation’s eyes to an activity that has been going on for ages.

Although the Connecticut Post article doesn’t reveal what type of charges these men face, the Connecticut statutes reveal that for owning, possessing, keeping, training, or betting on a fight of this nature the men could be facing up to 5 years in prison for each count.

Little known criminal activities happen all the time. Sometimes you may not even realize you were breaking the law. Unfortunately, ignorance is rarely a supportable defense.

If you are facing any criminal charges in the Connecticut legal system, you need a skilled and aggressive attorney fighting for your freedom. Call me to talk about your case today. I may be able to help you get the charges dismissed or at least ensure you get the best outcome possible on your day in court.

Arson Conviction Upheld in High Profile 2006 Case

Fifty-two year old Randall Licari was convicted in Bridgeport Superior Court in November of 2006 of 1st degree arson, first-degree larceny, insurance fraud, and conspiracy. The former supervisor for the New York Department of Environmental Protection was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

According to the Connecticut Post, the Connecticut Appeals Court recently upheld his conviction despite his claims that the prosecution fabricated evidence and controlled the lineup of testimony from people called by the defense at trial.

Licari’s Cape Cod style home burned to the ground in December of 2003. The family received an outpouring of support from the Red Cross and the community. They also received a sizable check from the insurance company.

Licari used this $350,000 check and gifts to build a bigger and better home following the fire. Later, the investigation into the fire was opened back up after the adult daughter of Licari stated her father started the fire himself in order to collect on the insurance policy.

Investigators found what they had formerly believed to be wrapped Christmas gifts to actually contain DuraFlame logs wrapped in Christmas paper and placed below the wires for the Christmas tree lights. Licari claimed those were a gift from his wife, despite not owning a fireplace.

The motive for the arson: financial problems. Often this is why crimes of arson take place. People get caught in rough financial times and see insurance money as a potential savior.
Arson, however, is a serious crime and not the best way to get out of debt. If caught and convicted of 1st degree arson, you could be sentenced to several years in prison and carry around a serious rap sheet for the rest of your life.

A property crime doesn’t have to be as serious as arson, however, to change your life. Criminal mischief and theft crimes also carry heavy penalties under Connecticut law.

If you are facing criminal charges and wonder if you will get a fair shake in court, let me know. Call me for a free consultation on your case today.

Car Part Theft Charges Add Up

Stealing from a scrap yard doesn’t seem like it could be a big money maker. Thieves have hit in Waterbury, however, and made off with quite a stash from Dana DeCapua’s livelihood, his auto scrap yard.

Catalytic converters are car parts that are definitely worth some cash. These parts clean the air from your engine and are made of expensive materials like platinum and palladium, materials that are worth about $1,200 per ounce according to this WFSB story.

Forcing their way into a scrap yard through the garage door, DeCapua estimates the thieves made off with between $5,000 and $8,000 in parts. The thieves obviously know a little something about cars to know both the value of the converters and how to remove them.
In addition to the parts, the thieves stole a van to carry them off in. A nearby garage lost a van it was working on when the thieves took it, drove it to the scrap yard, and loaded up the stolen parts.

Interestingly a few weeks ago a Honda dealership in Watertown was hit with the same type of theft, losing around $18,000 in parts.

Larceny Charges aren’t always considered minor offenses in the eyes of the court. Sure stealing candy from the convenience store didn’t seem like a big deal when you were a kid, but valuable car parts are another story. The reason this is so much more serious is because the courts base your charge on the value of the items stolen.

A stolen candy bar is a Class C misdemeanor (if charges are even filed). However, stealing over $20,000 in auto parts is a Class B Felony. We aren’t talking about a few months in county jail here. We are talking about up to 20 years in state prison.

Theft crimes can be very serious and carry quite serious penalties. If you are facing larceny charges and aren’t sure what the charges mean or how to deal with them, I can help. An experienced defense attorney is there to answer your questions and give you high quality legal advice.

A criminal theft or larceny charge in Connecticut is a serious legal problem. If you are facing charges like these, call our attorneys to discuss the details of your case today.

Long Beach West Cottage Fires Result in Arson Charges

An arrest has been made in the fire that burned 4 vacant cottages on Long Beach West last March. According to the Connecticut Post, carnival amusement manager Kevin Stewart of Trumbull faces 3rd degree arson charges and is currently out on bond pending arraignment.

Stewart reportedly was seen by several witnesses the day of the fires, climbing a radio tower near the cottages and knocking down the red light used to alert aircraft. Other witnesses claim that they were invited to the empty cottages by Stewart to hang out in what he called his “fort”.

The four abandoned cottages were lit with candles, according to people who were present with Stewart the day preceding the fires. Although Stewart initially denied having anything to do with the blaze, he later stated that he may have unintentionally knocked over a candle.

Although the cottages were empty, arson is a serious criminal offense that could get Stewart a stint in prison. Property crimes like arson and criminal mischief often carry penalties that surprise the people facing those charges.

Criminal mischief is the most common property damage crime and is split into 4 categories or degrees. The charge you face for criminal mischief depends on several things including what it was that was damaged and the value of the damage done.

For a simple criminal mischief charge in Connecticut, one can face anywhere from 3 months in jail to 5 years in prison. This long range of potential penalties can cause a serious amount of uncertainty and stress when you go before the judge.

As a local criminal defense attorney, I can help you come up with the best strategy for your case. But, I can’t do that without your help. Call me today and tell me about the charges you are facing. Together we can come up with a solution.

Vandalism and Graffiti a Problem Statewide

Graffiti is typically done with spray paint on the side of a building. It is often the chosen art form of gangs and bored teens. Although the expressive crime may seem like a minor offense, the consequences can be quite serious depending on the circumstances.

This article originating in Shelton details a park playground that has recently been the target of taggers. People who frequent the park are upset and don’t like having to look at the graffiti when they are there for a good time with their children.

Likewise, the same station covered some acts of vandalism occurring in Danielson, where buildings and even cars are being tagged with spray paint. The markings aren’t clearly gang related and police aren’t sure what they mean at all. What is known: business owners and the public are not happy about the emergence of this vandalism.

Vandalism is typically charged as criminal mischief in the Connecticut criminal justice system. What these vandals face if caught and convicted depends on the amount of damage they did. If the property is destroyed or damaged up to a value of $250, the offense will likely be considered 3rd degree criminal mischief.

As the damage increases, however, so do the charges and the potential penalties. For instance, 1st degree criminal mischief is the most serious criminal mischief charge and involves situations which result in more than $1500 in damages. This offense carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison, fines, and a felony record.

Regardless of who is doing the graffiti, whether it is gang related or a teen prank, the charges can be quite serious. If you are facing criminal mischief charges for vandalism like this or another destruction of property, you need the assistance of an experienced defense attorney.

Call us for a free consultation today and we can discuss the best way to handle your case.

College Pranks Ends in Criminal Charges

Students at Central Connecticut State University thought it would be funny to pull a little prank recently. They filled the halls of their dorm building with the smoke of burnt popcorn and tied several students’ dorm room doors shut. As the fire alarms went off, many believed they were trapped in a burning building.

In the planning stages, it is likely these students thought their plan would be humorous. College pranks often seem very tasteless to the general public and it is likely these same students wouldn’t have thought it so funny if they were on the receiving end of this little joke.
According to the Connecticut Post, three students now face criminal charges and are facing a misdemeanor criminal mischief offense for this fun time and they likely aren’t laughing anymore.

What seems initially as a harmless prank can quickly turn ugly. This is certainly not the first or the last time college students face criminal charges for a prank or joke gone bad. You may even be able to look back on your college or high school days and think “Man, I’m glad we didn’t get caught doing that!”

The fact is, sometimes you do get caught though. What seems like a great plan at the time can go horribly awry. Or, perhaps no plan is involved at all. Sometimes criminal charges arise from situations that seem to be beyond your control.

Some criminal mischief charges don’t require intent at all. Simply recklessly allowing something to happen can get you charged with certain levels of this criminal charge.

If you are facing criminal charges for damage to property or criminal mischief in Connecticut, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney. Call me today to discuss your case and see what we can do together.

Infamous CT Hit and Run Still Unsolved

Last year footage of a hit and run made its way across the country and over the Internet. This Hartford case involved an elderly man crossing the street and being mercilessly struck by a vehicle and left for dead. The grainy video made its rounds but hasn’t been able to assist police in solving the case.

78 year old Angel Torres is now hooked up to life support which he relies on to breath for him. He is paralyzed from the neck down and doctors have given his family the option of taking him off of the machines if they choose.

Despite the crime being caught on surveillance cameras, the footage was too distorted to get a license plate number from. Police circulated the footage from department to department and even got the MGM casino’s assistance in using their technologically advanced camera systems to try and decipher the plate number. All was in naught and the police are no further now than they were last year.

This report from WFSB details that at the time of the accident there were three people in the car. The likelihood of no one knowing anything about the identity of these three suspects is very slim.

Because the original charges were misdemeanors, the statute of limitations was about to run out, making it impossible for prosecutors to pursue charges should further information about their identity be found. An additional charge of evading responsibility has been added. This felony gives the police an additional 4 years to find the people responsible for this accident.
Charges like hit and run are fairly serious even when no one gets hurt. If you hit a car and leave the scene you can lose your license and face large fines. A criminal charge in Connecticut like this can become a permanent mark on your record.

Call me today if you are facing hit and run charges and lets discuss the best strategies for your particular case.

Credit Card Fraud in Manchester CT

Credit Card fraud is a more common offense than you might think. Just last week a couple was arrested at a Manchester home after the police discovered they had thousands of dollars of fraudulently obtained merchandise delivered there.

A credit card in the name of a Greenwich man was used by Sophia Grant and Orell Francis to purchase lots of high end merchandise. According to WFSB, their loot included $6,000 worth from Bergdorf Goodman, $36,000 in orders from Chanel, and $4,000 in products from Saks Fifth Avenue. All of these orders were delivered to the home where one of the suspects works as a health aide.

The Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force made the arrest in this high dollar fraud scheme. The task force is under the Secret Service, and works to solve offenses including credit card fraud, identity theft, and other similar white collar crimes.

The penalty for such offenses can be quite serious. For instance, a credit card fraud charge can be a felony, depending on the amount of money in question. The charge can carry up to 5 years in prison as well as large fines and restitution.

Other white collar crimes like identity theft and theft of a credit card are also considered serious offenses and punished accordingly by the Connecticut judicial system. Having an experienced attorney may help someone facing these charges get a better outcome in court.

If you are facing charges of credit card fraud or even bad checks, I can help. By analyzing your entire case, we can develop a defense strategy to best fit your situation and your desired outcome. Call us to discuss your case today and see how having an experienced local attorney can help.

Connecticut Police Brutality Video Released

Officer Brian Lawlor was fired in 2005 following an incident of excessive force. He was also charged with 3rd degree assault, convicted and sentenced to one year suspended sentence (probation). The video from his police cruiser that caught the incident leading to his termination and charges was recently released to the public.

Officer Lawlor was involved in a police chase regarding a road rage incident. When his car rammed the suspect, he got out and confronted the driver. The suspect, Alexis Hernandez, was hit while still in the driver’s seat and beaten once pulled from the car.

The video shows Officer Lawlor repeatedly punching Hernandez with his fists though Hernandez seems to offer no resistance. According to the Associated Press, in a verbalization of his rage, Lawlor can be heard saying on the video, “That was me being gentle!”

Though there were two other officers involved in the beating, they never faced charges. The incident included Hernandez being hit, kicked, and struck with a police firearm as well. Lawlor and his attorney insist that it appeared, prior to the stop, that Hernandez had been reaching for a weapon.
Although instances like this are rare, they make the news because they show the risk that is involved with police work and the amount of power granted to officers. This type of behavior is not common in the majority of police departments, but it does happen.

Police chases, DUI checkpoints, and even traffic stops all have the potential to turn ugly. Each and every one of these police interactions can be filled with stress and tension as the police try to determine if a law has been broken and the citizen feels cornered.

Even if you have only faced a DUI, you know the tension that occurs when it is apparent that your arrest is imminent. Facing handcuffs, potential jail time, and a criminal record is stressful no matter how professional the officer handling the arrest is.

If you are facing any criminal charge and are under stress wondering how to best deal with it, contact me today.

Hartford Mayor and Two Others Arrested in Criminal Bribery Case

So, no one is above the law? Apparently the Mayor of Hartford, a City Employee, and a contractor that works with the city have all been arrested on charges of bribery, among other things. While all three are innocent until proven guilty, it seems the cards may be stacked against them.

Hopefully, they have all retained experienced defense attorneys to help them through this difficult time. As with anyone facing charges within the United States judicial system, all three of the men are due their day in court.

According to this report from the State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, all three have been arrested on a variety of charges, running from bribery to fabricating physical evidence. According to the reported information, Mayor Perez and Edward Lazu both received work from contractor Carlos Costa, who owns USA Contractors Inc.

Reportedly, both men had work done to their home and didn’t pay anything until questions arose. The, when paid, they paid far less than what would be the going rate for such work.
Contractor Costa alleges he was told he would not be paid for the work and understood the projects as the “price” of doing business in Hartford. However, Costa is facing charges as well. His company has many contracts with the city of Hartford totaling several million dollars, making the whole situation much more interesting.

The charges these men face range from a Class D felony, and up to 5 years in prison, to a Class C felony which carries up to 10 years behind bars. Each man is facing multiple charges. For more information on felony classification in the state of Connecticut, see this chart.

No one should be above the law and the people of Connecticut shouldn’t feel like they are being governed by someone who is breaking the law. However, we also have to allow these men to have their day in court.

It is true that the justice system is meant to protect the innocent and that is why the phrase “innocent until proven guilty” is used so much. The accused should not have to prove their innocence, rather the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a crime has been committed.

These three men are like any other person accused of a crime, likely somewhat stressed about the whole situation. They no doubt sought a defense attorney that they felt could help them reach a positive outcome in court.

We know what it’s like to be on the defense. We know because we have successfully defended many clients in the state of Connecticut. If you are facing criminal charges and are looking for an experienced attorney, contact us to discuss your case today.

Criminal Charges for Minors Go Before Juvenile Review Board

In an effort to avoid criminal courts and a potential criminal record early in life, a new program aims to put juveniles before a review board. The current program, being used in Winsted, Torrington and Waterbury brings youthful offenders for minor charges before a board of local community leaders, and social service agencies.

Examples of infractions that may be referred to a review board include vandalism/criminal mischief, and theft. To be eligible for this alternative, the individual must be 16 or under, have no previous criminal history, and be recommended by the police officer.

Review boards are overseen by the towns youth services commissions, and typically meet monthly.

Typical "sentences" handed out by the juvenile review boards include counseling, or writing a letter of apology to the victim.

All in all, these boards are an excellent attempt to help at-risk youths before they become entrenched in the criminal justice system, and create an opportunity for preventing future problems. In addition, they take some of the caseload off of the frequently overburdened criminal courts in Connecticut.

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If you are facing a criminal charge in Connecticut, whether as a juvenile or an adult, please contact our defense lawyers for a free case evaluation on the charges you are facing.

More on Connecticut's Public Criminal Records

The competition to sell your personal information such as public records of your criminal history continues to heat up. As I noted before, Ct is one of the few states that currently has a free state sponsored criminal record search.

Now, there are even private companies widely advertising on google and gmail for their services, even though the state offers a free version.

Information is becoming a commodity. Even free information is being resold and repackaged at a profit. In the age of vast online recordkeeping, privacy is becoming a thing of the past.

And for public information, you really need to expect it to become widely available to anyone at anytime.

If a criminal record could hold you back in life, whether now or ten years from now, consider fighting your criminal case, and looking for every conceivable opportunity to keep you from getting a criminal record.

Because once it is out there, it will never disappear. Even if you hope to be able to get a Connecticut charge and conviction expunged in the future, that past information could easily still pop up.

Data never goes away, it's always copied somewhere. Expungement could become a myth.

Your best chance to keep a criminal record from ruining your life is before you are convicted.

Connecticut Sex Offender Laws

Governor Rell just signed a law closing a loophole in Connecticut's Sex Offender Laws. The new law makes it more difficult for a registered sex offender in Connecticut to change his or her name. A person must now declare the reason and intent for the name change to the courts, and the commissioner of public safety can challenge those reasons and the name change itself.

Being branded as a registered sex offender in Connecticut can seriously ruin your life. While there is a clear need to protect the public from dangerous sex offenders, there are also many cases when simple and innocent criminal charges in Connecticut can result in sex offender registration.

Public urination, statutory rape charges resulting from consensual sex between kids only a couple of years apart (if one happens to be of legal age) and many other situations can get you in a dangerous area. And prosecutors are often not sympathetic in these cases, even when the punishment nowhere near fits the crime. A criminal record that includes a sex offense registry can have a horrific impact on the future opportunities of a young person. It can follow you for the rest of your life, especially here in CT where all criminal charges are easily accessible public records.

If you are facing a criminal charge in Connecticut where you might be at risk of a conviction resulting in a sex offender registry requirement, please contact our Connecticut criminal law offices for a legal consultation on what you can do to prevent this from happening.

Connecticut Hate Crime Law

Governor Jodi Rell signed a new hate crimes law that makes it a criminal charge in Connecticut to display a noose as a means of harassing or threatening someone.

The new law will go into effect on October 1, 2008 and was supported unanimously by the state legislature as well as the Division of Criminal Justice and and Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. The legislation resulted from some a number of recent incidents of displays of nooses in West Hartford, Stamford, Bridgeport, and New London, CT.

Connecticut Crime Bill Veto?

Governor Rell may veto the crime bill, thought to be a signature achievement of the administration, for budgetary reasons.

The proposed would toughen criminal sentences for some violent crimes in the wake of some recent high profile home invasions and murders in Connecticut. But the sticking point is with the cost (up to $10 million) of the increased enforcement and criminal justice expenses, from additional prosecutors and parole officers, to more state police detectives to investigate and solve these horrific crimes.

Budgetary problems are impacting law enforcement efforts and new criminal legislation across the country. Also in the news, the Governor of Tennessee announced he is abandoning plans to toughen DUI laws due to budgetary constraints. That bill was also considered a high priority before the reality of state financial shortfalls halted progress on the new laws.

All Connecticut Criminal Convictions Online for Public Search!

All criminal and traffic convictions in Connecticut are now posted online for free and easy access.

Criminal records have always been public records, but in the past it's been something of a bureaucratic challenge for most people to dig them up. But know we are entering an era where this kind of information is quickly and instantly available.

It is now easy to imagine a day in the very near future when a Google search will instantly show your criminal conviction for anyone doing a search on your name.

A criminal conviction in Connecticut will not just follow you around for the rest of your life, but can brand you for all to see.

Now more than ever, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend you in court. You will want an attorney who will do everything possible to try to avoid a "life sentence" to your online existence.

Now is the only time you can do anything about it. Once you plead guilty, it is too late.