Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

Connecticut generally classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, but some crimes which were once considered misdemeanors are now classified as felonies. For felonies and misdemeanors, violations and infractions provide a basis for charges against you.

Juvenile Law

The same criminal statutes apply to juveniles (persons under 18) as adults. Juvenile delinquency matters emphasize rehabilitation rather than punishment, but the consequences are potentially serious.

Family Law

The family law division of the Connecticut Superior Court hears cases involving family relationships, like divorce, separation, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Family law provides many options for you to modify child support.

Appeals

Even though some cases may be appealed as a matter of right, Connecticut’s appellate rules are complex, and deadlines are generally strict. Missing a deadline to an appeal may bar your appeal.

Civil Litigation

If you think that you had an agreement with a person or company and that person or company failed to live up to their end of the bargain, then you may have a claim for breach of contract. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties.

Possession of Alcohol By a Minor

The legal drinking age in Connecticut and every other state is currently 21. For purposes of alcoholic beverage laws, a person under the age of 21 is classified as a minor and it is unlawful possess alcohol.

Drug Crimes

Connecticut partially decriminalized marijuana in 2011, but this new law does not mean that all marijuana use or possession is legal. Marijuana is still a prohibited substance.

DUI/Drunk Driving

This crime is commonly known as DUI, DWI, OWI, OUI, or simply drunk driving. In Connecticut, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-227a.

Weapons Charges

Weapons charges–those involving firearms or other weapons, which include but are not limited to knives, blackjacks, brass knuckles and explosives–are very serious in that many are felonies that carry significant prison time.

Burglary

Burglary, commonly known as breaking and entering, is committed when a person “enters or remains unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime therein.” In addition to homes and other structures, the term building encompasses vehicles.

Traffic Violations

Most traffic offenses, such as speeding and failure to obey traffic signals are infractions or violations–these are not crimes and the only penalties authorized by law for them are fines.

Pardons and Postconviction

In Connecticut, a pardon is the only way to expunge your criminal record and its power is vested in the Board of Pardons and Paroles.