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50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
The prevalence of excessive force used by police officers throughout the United States has received a great deal of attention over the past decade. Due to the widespread protests that took place in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd, many believed that steps would be taken to reduce police violence and ensure that people who interact with police officers would be less likely to suffer harm. Unfortunately, some reports that have been released recently have shown that this has not been the case.
People who have been arrested may not only need to defend against criminal charges, but they may need to take steps to address the harm they have suffered due to police misconduct. By working with an experienced attorney, defendants can make sure their rights will be protected, and they can fight to hold officers and police departments accountable for the failure to protect their safety and treat them with respect.
There are a variety of different forms of fraud that can lead to criminal charges. These cases are often classified as white collar crimes, since they typically do not involve violence and are related to financial issues. One type of fraud that has gained the attention of law enforcement in recent years is gift card draining. State and federal officials are taking steps to address this issue, and people who are accused of fraud related to gift cards could face criminal charges that may lead to serious penalties.
For those who have been accused of fraud or other financial crimes, determining the best options for defense is not always easy. In these situations, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has a strong understanding of the applicable state and federal laws. A skilled lawyer can provide an effective defense, ensuring that defendants understand the nature of the crimes they have been charged with, the evidence that may play a role in their case, the potential penalties that may apply upon conviction, and the steps they can take to resolve these matters successfully.
The internet provides many people with anonymity. It is easy to use fake names and other false identifying information when interacting with others, and people may hide their identities or pretend to be someone else for a variety of reasons. However, as people and organizations continue to focus on privacy and security, some may be concerned about the legal implications of lying about their identities. Could providing false identifying information or making other false statements lead to criminal charges?
As digital technology becomes more widely used, there are a variety of legal concerns that people may face in relation to their online activities and interactions. Those who may face accusations that they have violated the law can work with an attorney to determine the best ways to address these issues. A skilled lawyer can provide guidance on the rights that apply to people who use the internet, the situations where criminal charges may apply, and the best options for defense against these charges.
Over the past several years, the rates of substance use and abuse have increased throughout the United States. Connecticut, in particular, has seen a striking increase in the number of alcohol-related deaths. Many of these cases involve driving under the influence (DUI), and because of the risks of fatal car accidents, people who are arrested for drunk driving are likely to face serious penalties.
Understanding the best ways to defend against DUI charges is not always easy, and people in these situations will need to take steps to avoid a conviction whenever possible, reduce the potential penalties they may face, and regain their driving privileges after a license suspension or revocation. A skilled attorney can provide the guidance and legal representation needed to resolve these cases successfully.
Drug addiction and overdoses have been an ongoing concern in Connecticut and the United States. However, in recent years, alcohol use has become another serious issue. Studies have found that Connecticut stands out in dangerous alcohol use. Between 2012 and 2022, the rate of alcohol-related deaths in the state increased by 166 percent, which is a larger increase than in any other state. While alcohol consumption is prevalent among both adults and minors, around 20 percent of adults engage in binge drinking, which can be especially dangerous.
The United States incarcerates more people than any other developed country. Many prisoners face lengthy sentences, including life in prison in many cases. As the prison population throughout the country ages, the costs of keeping people in prison are increasing. Many states are looking to address this issue by passing laws that allow for sentences to be reviewed and potentially reduced.
Prisoners may be able to pursue relief under these "second look" laws. However, there are a variety of legal factors that may play a role in these cases, and it is crucial to work with a criminal defense attorney who can help protect a person’s rights and advocate for solutions that will allow them to achieve success after being released.
State lawmakers have begun to address concerns about aging prisoners, the costs of incarceration, and the measures that may be taken to protect public safety. They have proposed or passed legislation that may allow courts to review sentences and determine whether prisoners may be released early.
Modern technology has made DNA evidence a crucial component in many criminal cases. It has also exonerated a growing number of people who were convicted in the past. People who were accused of crimes and convicted based on forms of evidence that are now considered to be unreliable have had their convictions overturned, allowing them to be released from prison. One recent case has led to the release of a man convicted of sexual assault, and it may also lead to the exoneration of others. Those who believe they were wrongfully convicted can work with an attorney to determine their options and find out whether improvements in technology could be used in their favor.
In 1986, Charles W. Coleman was arrested in New Haven, Connecticut and accused of being a serial rapist. There were a total of nine cases against him, all of which involved similar details, with the perpetrator breaking into women’s homes by removing window screens and holding them at knifepoint while committing sexual assault. In 1987, Coleman entered into a plea agreement in which he pled guilty to three offenses, and charges for the other six offenses were dropped.
Most people recognize that involuntary servitude is wrong. Nobody should be forced to perform labor against their will. While private citizens rarely need to deal with this issue, there is one class of people who may find that they are forced to work: prisoners. People who have been convicted of criminal offenses and incarcerated in state or federal prisons are often compelled to perform labor, and in some states, they do not receive any compensation for their work.
Prisoners have rights, and they may need to take steps to ensure that they are treated fairly. Inmates who believe that their rights have been violated or who have been mistreated by prison officials or others in the criminal justice system may be able to take legal action to address these issues. They can do so with the help of an experienced lawyer who understands the state and federal laws that apply in these situations.
Over the past few decades, more and more people have become aware of the practice of "asset forfeiture," in which law enforcement officers may seize money or assets that they believe are connected with a crime. In many cases, people have lost large amounts of money, as well as other assets, such as vehicles, even in cases where they are never charged with a crime. Recently, concerns have been raised about whether the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can perform searches of people’s belongings at airports without the need to obtain a search warrant or receive consent from those who are being searched.
Many people who face criminal charges will also need to address the forfeiture of their assets. A skilled attorney can be an invaluable ally in these matters, helping determine the best approach to take to recover assets that have been seized as quickly as possible.
While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that people in the United States have the right to bear arms, there are some limitations on this right. State and federal laws related to firearm possession are updated regularly, and rulings by the Supreme Court have addressed how these laws may apply. One recent decision addressed whether people who are subject to restraining orders based on accusations of domestic violence may be prohibited from possessing firearms.
Understanding the laws that apply to firearm possession can be crucial for people who have been accused of domestic abuse or other related offenses. Violations of these laws can result in weapons charges, and a person who is convicted may face serious penalties. An experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney can provide guidance and legal representation to people in these situations, ensuring that their rights will be protected.
The laws of the United States allow people to file legal claims against police officers to address wrongful arrests and other related issues that violate their rights. When police perform arrests and bring criminal charges against someone without a valid reason to do so, this may be considered malicious prosecution. A person may file a lawsuit against police in these situations and seek to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered because of unlawful detainment or unwarranted criminal charges.
There are many situations where police may violate people's rights, but fortunately, the United States Supreme Court has upheld the ability to pursue malicious prosecution suits and address these concerns through the legal system. For those who have been treated unfairly, targeted for harassment, or experienced police misconduct, an experienced attorney can help determine the best ways to address these concerns.
50 Founders Plaza
