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.

Potential Charges for Cop Involved in Fatal Crash

Last month two young people died when the vehicle they were in was involved in an accident with a police cruiser. The investigation into that accident is now being treated as a negligent homicide, according to this article from the Connecticut Post.

Officer Jason Anderson from the Milford, CT Police Department was leaving a “mutual-aid call” in New Haven around 2:15 am on June 13th when he collided with the 2008 Mazda carrying 19 year olds Ashlie Krakowski and Dave Servin. Servin died at the accident scene while Krakowski was transported to a New Haven Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The entire crash was recorded on the dash camera of fellow Officer Rick Pisani who was following Anderson at the time of the wreck. Witnesses have stated that Anderson may have been speeding.

While there is no current indication what could have made this a potential negligent homicide, a search and seizure warrant for the vehicles was issued on June 16th. The warrant application said there is “probable cause to believe” that the police cruiser contained evidence of a negligent homicide.

When the warrant was executed on June 17th, investigators took the powertrain control module from the Crown Victoria. This module can provide information such as vehicle speed, tire condition, and brake status at the time of the accident.

This investigation obviously isn’t over and we are likely to see more details emerge as time goes on.

This accident is evidence that not all traffic accidents are cut and dry. As a matter of fact, there are many criminal traffic offenses that you can be charged with.

Although they are nowhere near as serious as negligent homicide, charges like reckless driving and hit & run can land you jail time and a criminal record.

If you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law due to a traffic offense and you want help determining what course of action to take, call me today.