Recent Blog Posts

People Exonerated of Crimes Work Together With Victims to Heal

 Posted on March 28,2024 in Criminal Defense

Hartford, CT criminal defense lawyerOn movies and TV shows that depict crimes and criminal trials, victims are often portrayed as brave people who stand up to their attackers and fight for justice. Unfortunately, in real life, many of these victims are victimized further by a justice system that takes advantage of them, fails to identify the perpetrators of their crimes, and imprisons innocent people. While criminal justice advocates are fighting back against unjust practices by law enforcement and taking steps to exonerate people who did not commit crimes for which they were convicted, some victims are also reaching out to exonerees and working together to heal.

Sadly, there are far too many cases where the wrong people are identified as criminal suspects and falsely convicted. While some of these people have taken steps to prove their innocence, often through DNA evidence, they may lose years or decades of their lives serving prison sentences for crimes they did not commit. This illustrates the importance of working with an experienced attorney during a criminal case to defend against false accusations. A skilled legal advocate can help address unreliable witness testimony and other forms of faulty evidence to help prevent a conviction, and they can fight to ensure that a person’s rights will be protected at all times.

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Have Reforms in Recent Years Reduced Police Misconduct in the U.S.?

 Posted on March 19,2024 in Criminal Law

Blog ImageOver the past decade, the need for police reform has become more and more evident. There have been a large number of high-profile cases in which suspects were killed by police officers who were accused of using excessive force. These include the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, George Floyd, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Tyre Nichols, and many others. While efforts have been made to reform the practices of police departments and hold officers accountable for their actions, the question remains as to whether significant progress has been made.

People who have been the victims of civil rights violations or other forms of misconduct by police officers can sometimes feel like they have no options. Because the justice system is often focused on prosecuting criminals, police officers are usually given the benefit of the doubt. For those who have been falsely accused and charged with criminal offenses after being subject to police violence or other forms of misconduct, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the best approach to take when defending against criminal charges and addressing civil rights violations.

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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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