Recent Blog Posts
How Faulty Drug Tests Can Affect DCF and Criminal Cases
Drug addiction is a major concern throughout the United States. In recent years, a great deal of attention has been paid to the opioid crisis, because the rates of overdose deaths due to fentanyl and related drugs has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, due to the government’s ongoing "war on drugs," people who suffer from addiction are more likely to face legal consequences than to get the help they need. To make matters worse, some people may face serious penalties due to faulty drug tests even when they have not used drugs or have only used prescription medications that were obtained legitimately.
A positive drug test can affect a person in many ways. Some people who test positive for controlled substances may face drug charges, while others may face investigations from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) that could result in their children being removed from their custody. Representation from a skilled, experienced attorney is crucial to help resolve these cases successfully.
U.S. Justice Department Cracks Down on Drug Crimes and Sex Crimes
The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a tough-on-crime stance since he assumed office for his second term. Officials at the U.S. Department of Justice have highlighted multiple operations that have targeted alleged criminals throughout the United States and internationally, including a large number of cases involving drug crimes and sex crimes. In many cases, these efforts have been a part of the administration’s focus on illegal immigration, with undocumented immigrants being arrested.
Because of the increased focus on certain types of criminal offenses, people who are accused of these crimes may be treated harshly, and they could face severe penalties if they are convicted. Anyone who is being investigated for drug crimes, sex crimes, or other related offenses will need to make sure to secure representation from an attorney who has experience in cases involving federal crimes.
New Connecticut Law May Address Gun Permits and Liability
Due to concerns about gun violence, lawmakers are looking to implement new laws to address the illegal possession and use of firearms. The Connecticut legislature is currently considering a law that would place new restrictions on gun permits for certain people, while also allowing for lawsuits against gun manufacturers and others in the firearms industry. Gun owners and people who manufacture, distribute, or sell firearms may be affected by this new law.
As new laws are passed, increased scrutiny may be placed on people who own and use firearms, and some people may face weapons charges based on their possession or use of firearms or ammunition. These laws may also provide opportunities for people who have been affected by gun violence to address the harm they have suffered through personal injury lawsuits. For those who are facing criminal charges related to firearms or who need to understand their legal options as victims, representation from an experienced attorney is essential.
Trump Administration Scales Back Enforcement of White Collar Crimes
There are multiple types of criminal charges that are classified as white collar crimes. These offenses usually involve financial matters and include money laundering, insider trading, bribery, or fraud. Because white collar crimes involve financial markets, investors in multiple states and countries, and other issues that cross state lines and international borders, they are often prosecuted at the federal level. However, recent actions by the administration of President Donald Trump may indicate that federal officials are choosing not to prosecute certain types of white collar crimes.
The laws and regulations that may apply when people are charged with white collar crimes can be very complex. While the federal government may choose not to focus on certain types of offenses, there are still many situations where people or entities may need to address criminal charges of a financial nature. Representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial in these situations, ensuring that a defendant can take steps to defend against a conviction, seek to have charges dismissed, or determine what other options may be available.
Can Immigrants Face Criminal Charges for Failing to Register?
Since taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump has made immigration one of the primary areas of focus for his administration. He has pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, and as part of this effort, the administration has implemented a new rule requiring immigrants to register with the government. Failure to register as required or failure to carry proof of registration may not only result in immigration concerns such as deportation, but immigrants could face criminal charges.
Undocumented immigrants or others who are concerned about the consequences they may face when interacting with immigration officials will need to understand their rights and the steps they can take to address registration requirements or criminal charges. People in these situations can benefit by working with a Hartford, Connecticut criminal defense attorney who has a strong understanding of the ways criminal law intersects with immigration law.
New Connecticut Law May Allow for More Marijuana DUI Arrests
People may be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) based on claims that they are intoxicated by alcohol, marijuana, or other substances. Driving under the influence of marijuana is an issue that has received more attention in recent years due to the legalization of cannabis in multiple states, including Connecticut. Law enforcement officials are looking to prevent intoxicated driving, and as part of these efforts, they are asking Connecticut lawmakers to pass a new law that may allow them to stop and arrest more people who are suspected of marijuana-related DUI.
Even though marijuana use is now legal for adults in Connecticut, there are a variety of situations where people may face criminal charges related to the use of cannabis. Those who are charged with DUI or other offenses can work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to address these charges and defend against a conviction.
Connecticut Law May Provide Additional Protections for Immigrants
Throughout the United States, many immigrants are currently concerned about the possibility of deportation. President Donald Trump has pledged to deport millions of illegal or undocumented immigrants, and his administration has been conducting raids, detaining people, and removing them from the U.S. Some states, including Connecticut, have taken steps to respond to these actions and help protect immigrants from unfair and illegal treatment. The Connecticut legislature is currently considering an update to the Trust Act that would expand the protections available to immigrants and limit cooperation between law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
The current Trust Act and the proposed changes may affect immigrants who are arrested or charged with crimes. In these situations, immigrants will need to understand their best options for defending against criminal charges and the ways their cases may affect their immigration status. An attorney who understands how criminal law interacts with immigration law can provide crucial support and legal representation to help immigrants protect their rights.
What Steps Are Followed in Deportation Cases?
The administration of President Donald Trump is seeking to crack down on illegal immigrants. This was a key issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, and since assuming office for his second term in January 2025, President Trump has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport illegal or undocumented immigrants. However, the deportation process can be complex, and understanding the steps followed in these cases can sometimes be difficult.
Many deportation cases are related to criminal charges against immigrants, and people who are arrested by local or state police could find that their immigration status is at risk. Because of the concerns faced by immigrants who become involved in the criminal justice system, it is important to work with an attorney who can help defend against criminal charges and provide guidance on the ways a criminal case may affect a person’s immigration status.
Supreme Court May Address Issue of Whether Teenagers Can Possess Firearms
Firearm rights are an ongoing issue in the United States. While the Second Amendment provides Americans with the right to bear arms, there are many concerns about how the proliferation of guns may affect public safety. Due to the large number of school shootings that have taken place over the past couple of decades, some states have passed laws restricting minors from owning or possessing firearms. However, these laws may be called into question as the Supreme Court rules on whether they are constitutional.
As the laws related to firearms change, minors or adults may need to determine what steps to take if they are arrested and charged with weapons offenses. An attorney with a strong understanding of the applicable laws and experience in criminal defense can provide legal guidance and representation in these cases, working to resolve weapons charges while protecting a person’s rights.
Can Overdose Deaths Lead to Criminal Charges in Connecticut?
Due to the ongoing opioid epidemic, government officials are more concerned than ever with the rate of deaths caused by drug overdoses. Because of the potential risks that certain drugs can present, people who are charged with drug crimes involving the distribution of controlled substances are likely to face severe penalties if they are convicted. However, the charges may become even more serious if a person is accused of providing someone with drugs that led to an overdose death.
Understanding the specific charges and penalties that may apply in these situations can be difficult, and those accused of drug distribution and related crimes will need to understand the steps they can take to minimize their potential penalties. A qualified Hartford, CT criminal defense attorney who has experience handling these types of charges can provide a strong defense, working to ensure that a defendant is treated fairly while fighting to protect their rights.