Blog

According to recent statistics from the Prison Policy Initiative, there are nearly 45,000 unique jail admissions in Connecticut annually. In the state of Connecticut, imprisonment is among the most prevalent punishment for offenders convicted of a crime. Imprisonment aims to deprive the defendant of their freedom and protect society against crime.

Juveniles (individuals younger than eighteen years of age) can be arrested and charged with crimes in Connecticut. Depending on their ages and charges, cases may proceed in either juvenile or criminal court. Also, depending on the conduct, parents may be liable civilly for the torts of their children.

In legalizing cannabis (marijuana) for adult use, certain other activities involving cannabis were criminalized.

Connecticut's "Clean Slate" law will allow for certain criminal convictions to automatically be erased from a person's record. Not all convictions are eligible however.

In Connecticut and other states, prosecutors have the ability to file substitute informations, which means change the charges.

Guardianship over a minor child can be transferred, removed and reinstated in Connecticut's juvenile and probate courts but requires certain standing and procedural requirements.

Just as a criminal investigation could lead to DCF involvement, a DCF investigation could lead to a police investigation and criminal charges.

With recent changes in the law, old possessory marijuana convictions can be erased in Connecticut.

Both houses of the Connecticut legislature voted to legalize sports betting. Gov. Lamont is expected to sign the bill into law.

Virtual trials and hearings may become common-place in our judicial system. In the past month I have tried cases in-person and virtually. Here is a comparison based on my experiences.