Hartford Criminal Defense Lawyers

The specific substances involved in a case will often determine the severity of the charges and the potential penalties. Connecticut law classifies controlled substances into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Common classifications include:

• Schedule I drugs: Considered the most dangerous, with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse (e.g., heroin, LSD, ecstasy).
• Schedule II drugs: Have medical uses but still carry a high risk of addiction (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone).
• Schedule III-V drugs: Lower potential for abuse but still regulated (e.g., anabolic steroids, Xanax, Valium).

Penalties for drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing depend on factors such as the amount of the drug in possession, whether the offense involved intent to distribute, and whether the arrest occurred near a school zone or involved minors. More serious charges may apply for manufacturing or trafficking controlled substances, and federal charges can be imposed in large-scale drug cases.

Yes, it is possible to be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) even if you have consumed only one drink. Connecticut law states that a driver can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or show signs of impairment, regardless of their BAC.

Even if a driver's BAC is below the legal limit, they can still be arrested if they exhibit impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, or erratic driving. Other factors, such as prescription medications or a combination of alcohol and drugs, can also contribute to impairment.

The terms rape and sexual assault are often used interchangeably. Connecticut law classifies these offenses under its sexual assault statutes:

• Sexual Assault in the First Degree: This is the most serious charge, and it involves forced sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a victim who is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or underage.
• Sexual Assault in the Second and Third Degrees: These charges involve other forms of non-consensual sexual contact, including coercion, threats, or abuse of power.
• Statutory Sexual Assault: This offense occurs when an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor under the age of consent, regardless of whether force was used.

Convictions for sexual assault carry severe penalties, including mandatory prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and restrictions on housing and employment.

Criminal charges may be prosecuted at the federal level if they involve violations of U.S. laws, if people in multiple states are affected, or if illegal activity crosses state lines. Some common examples of federal crimes include:

• Drug Trafficking: Large-scale drug distribution, particularly across state or national borders
• Firearms Offenses: Illegal gun possession, trafficking, or use of firearms in violent crimes
• White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and tax evasion
• Internet Crimes:Child pornography, hacking, wire fraud, or identity theft
• Kidnapping: Cases where the victim is transported across state lines
• Terrorism-Related Charges: Crimes involving threats to national security

Federal cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, and convictions often result in longer prison sentences due to mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

A grand jury is used primarily in federal criminal cases and some cases involving serious state-level felonies. The purpose of a grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime.

Key aspects of grand jury proceedings include:

• Closed Hearings: Unlike regular trials, grand jury proceedings are not open to the public.
• Prosecutor-Led Presentation: The prosecution presents evidence, but the defense does not participate or cross-examine witnesses.
• Probable Cause Standard: The grand jury does not determine guilt but decides whether there is sufficient evidence to issue an indictment (formal charges).

If an indictment is issued, the case proceeds to trial or plea negotiations. If no indictment is issued, charges may be dropped, although prosecutors may still pursue charges later if additional evidence is uncovered.

While both probation and parole involve supervision outside of jail or prison, they apply in different situations:

• Probation: A sentence given instead of jail time, allowing a person to remain in the community under certain conditions. Probation violations can result in jail time.
• Parole: The conditional early release of an inmate who has served part of their prison sentence. Parole is granted based on good behavior and requires strict compliance with conditions set by a parole board.

Conditions for both probation and parole may include regular check-ins with an officer, drug and alcohol testing, restrictions on travel or contact with certain people, and mandatory employment or counseling. Violating the terms of probation or parole can lead to revocation and incarceration. Our firm provides legal representation for clients facing probation or parole violations to help minimize penalties and maintain their freedom.