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.

Fairfield Connecticut Drug House Busted

A home on Bibbins Avenue in Fairfield was raided this week after police has received several tips that there was drug activity taking place inside. The raid resulted in two teenagers facing serious charges and plenty of confiscated evidence.

Eighteen year olds Sotirios Georgakopoulos Jr. and Pema Tenzin are both facing charges for operating a drug house. Both are currently being held on $250,000 bond, according to the Connecticut Post.

The bust was quite an ordeal, involving 15 officers and 2 K9s. The police forced entry through the front door and saw 8 people scurry to back bedrooms. The officers again had to use force to break into the bedrooms where they found Tenzin allegedly throwing pills out of the window.
All other occupants of the home were found to be guests and only the two 18 year olds have been charged.

Among the evidence seized in the raid was: methamphetamine pills believed to be ecstasy, 1 pound of marijuana, a canister of nitrous oxide, drug packaging material, paraphernalia, and $700 in cash.

The two young men face charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana more than 4 ounces, possession of marijuana within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell meth within 1,500 feet of a school, illegal possession of a restricted substance, operating a drug factory, and impairing the morals of a minor, as the 15 year old brother of Georgakopoulos was in the home at the time.

With a lengthy list of charges like these, these young adults are looking at spending the next several years behind bars.

Facing drug charges of any kind is no walk in the park, particularly if they are as serious as these. Depending on your criminal history and the details of your case, however, sometimes a deal can be struck with the prosecution. For fairly minor charges like possession of marijuana, there are often a few options available.

Call me today if you are facing drug charges in our state. I am eager to help.

Community Interaction Team Makes Drug Arrests and Clean Up West Hartford Streets

The Community Interaction Team (CIT) of the West Hartford Police Department is a proactive police unit dedicated to keeping a close eye on criminal activity in the West Hartford community. From gang activity to drug offenses, these police officers try to keep an upper hand on crime and keep it under control.

Working with local businesses the CIT knows where problems are before they become to big. By capturing the issues before they grow they hope to keep the people and businesses in the community safe. The unit works with the community, not just in it.

As this article points out, in 2008 the CIT made 607 arrests. That number is quite staggering for one team and is either evidence of their effectiveness or evidence of a growing crime problem. More than likely, however, it is a combination of both.

As of late, they have been noticing a growing heroin problem in their arrests and searches. This means more and more drug charges are entering the West Hartford courts. Users and dealers that the majority of the community was not aware of are finding their ways into the courts.
Many of these drug offenders go unnoticed by the public because that’s the way they want it. They don’t want to draw attention to themselves for fear of embarrassment and more so, fear of criminal charges. Their arrests often end in not only drug charges but theft, DUI, or other assorted criminal offenses.

They are right to be scared and to want to lay low. For a first time drug offender in CT, a heroin charge can bring up to 7 years in jail and a $50,000 fine. As repeat charges occur, they risk more and more as the sentences grow.

With the help of an experienced defense attorney, someone charged for the first time may be able to reach a plea agreement with the prosecution and possibly even only serve probation. This, of course, depends on many factors. If you or someone you know is facing charges like this, be certain to consult with an attorney who is experienced with the drug laws of Connecticut.