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.

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.

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.