Recent Blog Posts
Why Is Incarceration Harmful for Minors Charged With Juvenile Crimes?
While the threat of juvenile crime is something discussed by politicians who pledge to crack down on offenses that could put public safety at risk, the rates of these types of crimes have decreased significantly in the past couple of decades. Despite these trends, the legal system continues to treat juvenile offenders harshly, and in many cases, minors who are charged with juvenile offenses are incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities. Even though the juvenile justice system is meant to rehabilitate offenders, incarceration often has the opposite effect, causing significant harm to children that can affect their futures.
Because of the ways children are likely to be affected by the penalties imposed in juvenile cases, it is important for families to work with a lawyer who has experience defending children against charges of juvenile delinquency or crimes that could be prosecuted in adult court. With legal representation, a child is more likely to secure an outcome that will protect against overly harsh penalties and ensure that they can avoid long-term consequences.
Can I Choose Not to Have My Face Scanned by TSA at the Airport?
Privacy is a growing concern for many people in the United States and throughout the world. People’s personal data is captured in many ways, and it is often traded and sold by "data brokers." This data may include facial scans that may then be used to identify people through facial recognition technology. Privacy advocates have noted the problems with these systems, and people will need to understand their rights when they are asked to submit to facial scans.
In some cases, facial scans may seem to provide convenience, such as when travelers at airports are asked to submit to scans by TSA agents, who will then compare the scans with people’s ID photos. However, the data captured in these scans could be included in databases used by law enforcement, which could lead to criminal charges when police officers perform facial recognition searches. Because this technology is unreliable, it is often best to avoid providing law enforcement with data that could be accessed during an investigation.
New CT Law Addresses Motorcycle Helmets and Traffic Violations
Road safety is an important issue that lawmakers often try to address. Despite the many laws that are meant to prohibit unsafe driving and protect people who use the roads, motor vehicle accidents continue to occur regularly. Based on data about the accidents that occur, trends that indicate safety issues, and other concerns, Connecticut’s state legislature has worked to update the state’s laws in hopes of preventing accidents and protecting people’s safety. A new law that was recently passed includes some provisions that drivers and others who use the road will need to be aware of.
People are not always aware of changes to state laws. Based on new regulations, people may be charged with traffic violations or other motor vehicle offenses, which could lead to high fines or even the suspension of a driver’s license. For those who are looking to protect their licenses and avoid penalties that could affect their daily lives, working with an attorney to defend against these charges can be crucial.
Is Connecticut’s Juvenile Justice System Fair to Children?
Everyone wants to believe that the legal system in the United States is fair, that people’s rights are respected during criminal cases, and that courts are able to achieve justice. Sadly, that is not always the case, since people may be falsely convicted or pressured into accepting unfavorable plea bargains. Children who are accused of violating the law are especially at risk of having their rights violated due to the procedures followed in the juvenile justice system.
Even though many juvenile cases may seem to be less serious than adult criminal cases, children can face a wide variety of penalties. Legal representation is crucial for children and parents in these situations. An attorney who has experience with Connecticut’s juvenile justice system can provide the legal help needed to resolve these matters successfully and prevent outcomes that could affect children’s futures.
New Connecticut Law Protects the Safety of Domestic Violence Victims
Issues related to domestic violence are a concern for law enforcement officials, government agencies, and lawmakers. There are numerous actions that may be considered domestic violence, and when someone has been accused of threatening members of their family or household or engaging in domestic abuse, they could be arrested and charged with a crime. The legal system also addresses victims of domestic violence, taking steps to protect their safety when necessary. Under a new law that has gone into effect in Connecticut, additional protections may be provided.
People who have been charged with offenses related to domestic violence will need to understand what steps to take as they address these criminal charges. An attorney who has a comprehensive understanding of the laws that apply in these situations can help a person determine the best defense strategies. A criminal defense lawyer can also make sure that a person does not commit any violations that could lead to additional charges or complications to their case.
Can Technology Used to Detect Child Porn Violate People’s Rights?
The internet has allowed many people to create and share illegal material, including child pornography. While this is an issue that needs to be dealt with, there are some situations where people may be falsely accused of possessing or distributing child porn. In recent years, new technologies have been created to help law enforcement detect child pornography and bring charges against offenders, but advocates for civil liberties have highlighted the ways these technologies may be used to violate people’s rights.
For those who are facing accusations related to child pornography or other crimes against children, legal representation from an experienced attorney is essential. A lawyer who understands the issues involved in these cases, the technologies used by law enforcement, and the steps that can be taken to protect a defendant’s rights can work to address these charges and defend against a conviction.
New Connecticut Law Increased Penalties for Street Takeovers
Over the past few years, police officers and government officials in Connecticut have raised concerns about street takeovers. These informal events that block traffic on streets are illegal, and law enforcement officials believe that they involve dangerous activities that could put people at risk. Because of the potential issues, the Connecticut legislature recently passed a law that increases the penalties for people who are involved in street takeovers.
While participating in street takeovers could lead to arrests and penalties, there are some situations where people may be wrongfully arrested because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those who are facing charges related to street takeovers will need to understand what steps they can take to avoid serious penalties. An attorney with experience in criminal law, traffic charges, and offenses involving public disturbances can provide representation in these cases, working to help resolve these issues and minimize the effects on a person’s life.
Advocates Seek Details About Facial Recognition Systems Used by Police
There are many tools used by law enforcement to investigate crimes, identify suspects, make arrests, and prosecute people on criminal charges. As concerns have grown about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in nearly all aspects of society, one particular use of this technology has raised red flags: facial recognition. Police departments are using facial recognition technology (FRT) to identify suspects, but there are a growing number of cases where the wrong people have been identified and charged with crimes.
As criminal justice and civil rights advocates address the misuses of technology in ways that cause innocent people to suffer, they have taken action to gain information about the ways FRT works and how it is used by law enforcement. While this may eventually lead to some policy changes that will help protect people’s rights, those who are currently facing criminal charges based on misidentifications by police will need to understand how to respond. Representation by a criminal defense attorney who understands the best ways to protect their clients’ rights is crucial.
Take it Down Act Makes Sharing AI Deepfake Porn a Federal Crime
Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become available, allowing people to easily create a variety of content, including computer-generated images and videos. Some of these tools may be used to create "deepfake" images and videos that appear to show actual people. In some cases, deepfake materials are pornographic, depicting well-known celebrities or other people in sexual situations.
Because of the harm that may be caused to people who are depicted in this manner, activists have been working to pass laws to make sharing deepfake porn illegal. Congress recently passed the Take it Down Act, and President Trump signed this act into law, making these activities a federal crime.
As laws change and new uses of technology emerge, people may face criminal charges because they have created certain types of images or videos using AI or shared these materials with others. The penalties for these offenses can be serious, and a person’s reputation and relationships may also be affected. To address charges related to deepfake porn, revenge porn, or other similar materials, it is important to work with an attorney who can provide a strong defense.
Is Possession of a Machine Gun a Criminal Offense?
Unlike many other countries, the United States has permissive laws that address the ownership of guns. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the "right to bear arms," and while people may disagree about the extent of this right, it is generally agreed that people are allowed to possess and use firearms. While certain types of guns, including machine guns, have been banned by both federal and state laws, court cases have challenged these bans, leading to confusion about what types of weapons may be permitted and whether certain firearms may be restricted.
Due to the uncertainty about what types of guns may be covered by federal and state laws, some people may be charged with weapons offenses without realizing that they had violated the law. For those who are facing either state or federal charges related to firearms, representation by an experienced attorney can be crucial. A criminal defense lawyer who has a strong understanding of the applicable laws can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve these cases while working to protect their client’s rights.
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