Recent Blog Posts

Elderly People in Connecticut Face Financial Losses Due to Online Scams and Fraud

 Posted on March 14, 2024 in Fraud

Blog ImageWhile the internet has brought many benefits to people’s lives, it has also exposed people to risks. Due to the vast amount of information that is collected and made available online, scammers who are looking to exploit people have more tools at their disposal than ever. In recent years, online scams have become more and more common, and in many cases, elderly people are the targets. The FBI and organizations such as AARP have warned people about these scams, and law enforcement officials are doing what they can to protect people and take legal action against scammers.

Due to this increased level of scrutiny, people who engage in online transactions or are involved in transfers of money or assets may be accused of white collar crimes, internet crimes, fraud, or other offenses. In these situations, representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial. A lawyer with an understanding of the applicable state and federal laws can help determine the best ways to address these charges and defend against a conviction.

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What Should I Do if I Receive a Grand Jury Subpoena in Connecticut?

 Posted on March 07, 2024 in Criminal Law

Blog ImagePeople who become involved in the criminal justice system may struggle to understand the procedures that will be followed and the steps they can take to protect their rights. This is especially true in cases involving grand juries, which follow different procedures than judges and juries in criminal trials. If you have received a subpoena from a grand jury asking you to testify or turn over documents, you may be unsure about how to proceed and what you can do to protect yourself against potential criminal charges. An attorney with experience in these matters can provide invaluable guidance and effective legal representation, ensuring that your rights will be protected.

What Is a Grand Jury?

A grand jury is a type of jury that investigates alleged crimes to determine whether a person should be formally charged with a criminal offense. It is larger than a trial jury, and it will typically have between 16 and 23 members. Unlike a trial jury, which determines the guilt or innocence of a defendant, a grand jury examines evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether to indict a person with criminal charges and proceed to trial. Grand juries may be involved in both state and federal criminal cases.

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New Federal Sentencing Guidelines May Affect Minority Prisoners in Connecticut

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Criminal Law

Blog ImagePeople who are convicted of federal crimes will often face harsh penalties, including lengthy sentences in federal prisons. These sentences are usually determined using the federal sentencing guidelines, which are a set of rules that are used to calculate appropriate sentences based on factors such as the severity of an offense, the offender’s acceptance of responsibility, and any previous convictions or other forms of past misconduct. These guidelines are updated regularly, and when these updates may lead to reductions in sentences, federal prisoners may be able to receive an early release. For those who are navigating issues related to federal prison sentences, an experienced attorney can provide legal help, ensuring that the sentencing guidelines will be applied appropriately.

Potential Sentence Reductions Following Changes to the Sentencing Guidelines

In 2023, the U.S. Sentencing Commission chose to make changes to the sentencing guidelines, and these adjustments may allow for reduced sentences in some cases. The Commission also chose to make the changes retroactive, which may allow some prisoners who are currently serving sentences to be released immediately or before the end of their original sentences. The retroactive guidelines went into effect on February 1, 2024.

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Can the Use of Artificial Intelligence Lead to Criminal Charges in Connecticut?

 Posted on February 22, 2024 in Criminal Law

Blog ImageArtificial intelligence (AI) is a topic that is currently on many people’s minds. ChatGPT and other AI chatbots have allowed people to generate everything from college essays to legal briefs, and there have been complaints about plagiarism and inaccurate information in machine-written text. AI has also been used to generate images and videos that may sometimes be passed off as actual photographs or video footage. While some have viewed this technology as a novelty, others have raised concerns about how it may be used for criminal purposes.

While AI has many uses, the attention it has received from lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and government regulators could potentially lead to criminal charges in some situations. Due to recent developments in this field, law enforcement officials may be on the lookout for potentially illegal uses of AI, and they may investigate and prosecute people who are suspected of violating state or federal laws. An attorney who understands the laws that apply in these situations can provide representation for people who may face criminal charges related to the use of AI or other technologies.

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Will Connecticut Lower the BAC Limit for DUI Arrests?

 Posted on February 09, 2024 in DUI

Blog ImageIn recent years, there has been an increased focus on reducing drunk driving accidents and fatalities across the United States. One proposed solution that several states, including Connecticut, are considering is lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for DUI arrests from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent. For those who have been arrested for DUI, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can provide legal representation and build an effective defense strategy.

Does a Lower BAC Limit Improve Safety on the Roads?

In 2023, Connecticut lawmakers considered a bill that would lower the BAC limit for drivers in the state. While this bill was approved by the legislature’s Transportation Committee, it did not receive a vote during the most recent legislative session. However, it continues to receive support from Governor Ned Lamont, Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and other public officials, so it may be revived and could potentially become law.

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Do Criminal Defendants Still Have the Right to a Trial?

 Posted on February 05, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Blog ImageIn the United States, people who are charged with criminal offenses have certain rights. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that defendants have the right to a speedy, public trial before an impartial jury. However, this right has been threatened by the way the criminal justice system currently works. The vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains rather than trials, and this has led to unjust outcomes for many defendants. For those who are facing criminal charges and want to make sure their rights will be protected, an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide the legal representation they need.

The Trial Penalty

Since the 1980s, law enforcement officials throughout the United States have implemented “tough on crime” policies as part of the “war on drugs” and other efforts meant to address criminal activity and threats to public safety. This has led the court system to become overwhelmed by a large number of criminal cases. Since it would be impossible to hold a criminal trial for every defendant, prosecutors have taken steps to resolve cases without the need to go to trial whenever possible.

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How Faulty Bite Mark and Hair Analysis Can Lead to Wrongful Convictions

 Posted on January 31, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Blog ImageThe criminal justice system often relies on forensic evidence to establish guilt or innocence in a criminal case. Forensic methods that are commonly used in criminal cases include bite mark analysis and hair analysis. However, researchers and criminal justice advocates have raised serious concerns about the reliability and accuracy of these techniques, highlighting how they can lead to wrongful convictions. For those who are facing criminal charges, an experienced attorney can review and challenge the evidence while building an effective defense strategy to help a person avoid being convicted.

Faulty Bite Mark Analysis

Bite mark analysis involves examining marks left on a victim's body. Analysts may attempt to match those marks with a suspect's dental records. Despite being considered a valid forensic method for decades, recent studies have shown that bite mark analysis lacks scientific validity.

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Will Drunk Driving Detection Technology Be Required in Vehicles?

 Posted on January 24, 2024 in DUI

Blog ImageDrunk and intoxicated driving is an ongoing concern in the United States. Public safety campaigns have alerted people to the dangers of drunk driving, and those who are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) may face serious penalties that can include large fines, loss of a driver’s license, and time in jail. Despite these measures, many people choose to drive while intoxicated, putting themselves and others at risk. In 2021, more than 13,000 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol impairment. 

To address concerns about drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors, the United States government is looking to put rules in place that may require vehicle manufacturers to include technology that will detect intoxication. However, many questions remain about what types of technology may be used, how it will be implemented, and whether it will actually provide the intended benefits.

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When Can a Person Be Charged With Felony Murder?

 Posted on January 11, 2024 in Murder

Murder Defense AttorneyMost people understand that if they intentionally kill someone else or engage in behavior that leads to someone’s death, they may be charged with murder. However, many people do not realize that murder charges may also apply in other situations. When a person is accused of committing a felony offense that directly or indirectly led to someone else’s death, they may still face charges of murder. This is known as felony murder, and it has led to situations where people are sentenced to life in prison even when they were not at the scene where a person was killed or were not directly involved in a victim’s death.

While legal representation is important for anyone who is facing criminal charges, it is especially crucial in situations involving murder or other violent crimes. An attorney with experience defending clients charged with violent crimes can make sure a defendant’s rights are protected, and they can help determine the best defense strategies to use during a case.

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New Connecticut Traffic Stop Policies May Reduce Racial Profiling

 Posted on January 09, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Blog ImageRacial disparities are an ongoing issue in the criminal justice system. Black people and other minorities are more likely to be arrested than white people, they are more likely to be convicted of crimes, and they often receive longer sentences and harsher penalties. As part of its ongoing efforts to combat these issues, the state of Connecticut is considering implementing some reforms. It has also made some progress in correcting the racial disparities that occur in traffic stops, which may lead to arrests and criminal convictions.

While reforms may be put in place, there are many people who continue to be affected by police misconduct and unfair treatment by law enforcement officials. If you have been arrested following a traffic stop or in another type of situation, a skilled attorney can provide representation to help you defend against the charges you are facing.

Promising Trends in Connecticut Traffic Stops

The Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project tracks data about traffic stops throughout the state, seeking to identify issues that may disproportionately affect minorities and lead to injustices. In its preliminary analysis of data from 2022, it found that, for the first time, there were no indications of racial disparities in the people who were stopped by police officers for traffic violations.

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