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Connecticut Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can police execute a nighttime search warrant in Connecticut without independent investigation?

I was involved in an incident where the Connecticut state police filed for a Risk Protection Order (RPO) and a search warrant at night without an independent investigation or an application filed with the clerk's office prior to execution. This occurred around 11:00 pm, and the judge approved... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Should I be criminally charged for my dog biting a police officer

I was inside my house talking to a couple police officers. They forced their way into my home. Physically restrained me, and then forcefully removed me from my home. My dog was in the house at the top of the stairs. After I was removed from my home, the dog ran down the stairs and started biting... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You may face charges related to your dog biting the police officers, depending on the circumstances and local laws. In many states, if a dog attacks or injures a person, the owner could be held responsible, especially if the dog was not properly secured or controlled. However, given that the police... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Real Estate Law for Connecticut on
Q: Dismiss mechanic's lien due to contractor leaving materials

I am looking to dismiss a mechanic's lien placed on my property in Connecticut. The last work was done on July 16, 2024, and the lien was placed in November 2024. The contractor claims they left materials (including a wheelbarrow, scaffolding, and tarps) on the property within the 90 days... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It seems that the mechanic's lien in your case may be disputable. In Connecticut, a mechanic's lien can be filed if work is done or materials are provided to a property. However, since your contract specifies that you are responsible for purchasing materials, and the items left behind... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Connecticut on
Q: Questioning legality of a Connecticut search warrant issued and executed at night.

I am questioning the legality of a search warrant executed in Connecticut. The warrant was issued by a judge at 11:00 pm and executed at 11:45 pm. It was part of a Risk Protection Order (RPO), but the police did not perform an independent investigation, and the affidavits did not request a night... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Identity Theft, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Connecticut on
Q: How long does the Federal Government have to file charges in a federal immigration case involving identity theft, injury disclosure failure, and false payment claims?

I am involved in a federal immigration case where my employer allegedly committed identity theft between November and December 2023. There was also a failure to disclose a personal injury from a slip and fall at work. Additionally, the employer claimed I was being paid during a period when I was... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In federal cases involving identity theft, the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specific charges. For identity theft, the federal government generally has up to five years from the date of discovery to file charges. If your employer’s actions involve false payment claims or other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Connecticut on
Q: Missed housing court date due to hospitalization, eviction set for 4/15/25. What can I do?

I missed my housing court date due to being hospitalized after a heart attack, and as a result, an execution for eviction was signed. I have documented medical records and plan to inform the court about my situation. The eviction date is set for 4/15/25. I have not previously requested a... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

First, you should act quickly since the eviction is set for 4/15/25. Go to the housing court as soon as possible and file a motion to open or vacate the judgment due to your medical emergency. Bring all your hospital records and any other documents showing you were unable to attend court because of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: How to modify visitation due to child's behavioral changes?

I currently have sole custody of my child, but I'm considering filing a motion for modification to shorten visitation with the other parent. I've noticed that my child has difficulty sleeping and using the bathroom while visiting them. Additionally, my child is homeschooled, and needs to... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Before proceeding with a motion to modify visitation, it’s important to consider how significant the behavioral changes are and whether they can be addressed through other means. If your child’s sleep issues and difficulties with using the bathroom are impacting their well-being, you may want... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Tax Law and Contracts for Connecticut on
Q: What taxes apply to a $11,000 interest-free loan from EU friend?

I am receiving a loan of $11,000 from a friend living in a European Union country. We may create a formal agreement if required. I plan to repay the loan over the next 10 years without interest. What taxes or other payments will I be liable for in this situation?

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answered on Apr 8, 2025

If you're receiving an interest-free loan from a friend in the European Union, there are a few key things to consider. First, in most cases, you won’t face direct taxes just for receiving the loan. Loans themselves are typically not considered income, so no immediate tax is due on the... View More

Q: How can I retrieve my impounded car after an accident with a pedestrian in Connecticut?

I was involved in an accident where a pedestrian walked in front of my car during the morning sun, obstructing my view. He was not in a crosswalk, and I was not distracted or using my phone. The police impounded my car, and it's been two months without explanation, despite my clean report and... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

This situation sounds incredibly stressful, and it’s understandable that you feel like you're being left in the dark. In Connecticut, if the police impound your vehicle after an accident, it’s typically because they consider it evidence in an investigation. However, two months is a long... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can employer deny driving privileges after medical clearance with clean driving record in Connecticut?

Can my employer deny me driving privileges for company business even though I have been medically cleared by my eye doctor and primary care physician? I have a clean driving record and have asked my employer for the reason, but they haven't provided one. Instead, I've been told to use my... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Connecticut, if you've been medically cleared by both your eye doctor and primary care physician, and you have a clean driving record, your employer may not have a legal reason to deny you driving privileges for company business. However, if they are refusing without providing an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Connecticut on
Q: Does motive matter in manslaughter self-defense cases with duty to retreat?

In a case where someone was convicted of manslaughter after claiming self-defense but had a duty to retreat, does the motive of the assailant matter if there was no evidence of motive considered during the trial?

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In a manslaughter case involving self-defense and a duty to retreat, the motive of the assailant could potentially be relevant, but it might not be a determining factor if no evidence was presented during the trial. The primary focus in such cases is whether the defendant acted in reasonable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Connecticut on
Q: Can I upload AI-generated music to Spotify without copyright issues?

I wrote original lyrics for a song dedicated to my terminally ill wife and used the Lyrics into Song AI tool to generate music. I am on the tool's free plan, which states the AI retains rights, but a license is granted with a paid subscription. I plan to delete the AI-generated voice and only... View More

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answered on Mar 25, 2025

Your situation involves important copyright considerations when using AI-generated music. The terms of service for the "Lyrics into Song" tool are crucial here - while you own your original lyrics, the free plan explicitly states the AI retains rights to the musical composition. Even... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Banking for Connecticut on
Q: Reopening probate for newly discovered bank account in Connecticut.

I am considering reopening my father's probate case because we recently discovered an unknown bank account that was not included during the original probate process. In 1983, the account was valued at $11,000, and by 2025, it has grown to $21,000. The account was overlooked because the... View More

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answered on Apr 8, 2025

To reopen a probate case in Connecticut due to a newly discovered bank account, you will need to file a motion with the probate court. Start by contacting the court where the original probate was filed and explain the situation regarding the overlooked account. You may need to provide supporting... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Reopening CT probate for estate with omitted bank account; guidance on forms and procedure required.

I am currently trying to reopen the probate for my father's estate in Connecticut. He passed in 1983, and my mother never probated his estate. In 2001, my sister probated his estate but omitted a bank account valued at $21,000 in 1983. I included the same account in my mother's estate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Public Benefits and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: I owe child support in CT while my daughter lived with me, as her mother received assistance in Puerto Rico.

I am facing an issue with child support related to my daughter, who lived in Puerto Rico with her mother before moving to Hartford, CT to live with me. Her mother was receiving food stamps and medical assistance for her in Puerto Rico, and continued to do so despite my daughter living with me in... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It seems like you’re dealing with a complicated situation involving child support payments and the overlap of public assistance between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. Since your daughter was living with you in Hartford and you were receiving benefits for her, while her mother continued to receive... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can Justices of the Peace in Connecticut serve legal documents?

As a Justice of the Peace in Connecticut, I understand that I am permitted to deputize, but I am unsure whether I can act as a server of process myself. Could you clarify whether Connecticut statutes allow Justices of the Peace to serve legal documents?

Q: Can a Christian private military group enforce membership rules under CT law?

I am interested in forming a Christian chaplaincy group as a Private Military Force under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 505, Sec. 27-102. We aim to supply Christian chaplains to the Connecticut Military Department as contracted volunteers, along with Civil Defense and Disaster relief... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your vision of creating a Christian chaplaincy group under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 505, Section 27-102 is feasible, but with important considerations. As a private military force in Connecticut, you would need to file organizational documents with the Secretary of State, including your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Gov & Administrative Law and Traffic Tickets for Connecticut on
Q: Confusion with court sentence vs. MVD suspension notice for driving privileges.

I'm confused about the discrepancy between my court sentence and the suspension notice from the Motor Vehicles Department. My first charge was illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence, 2nd offense, leading to a sentence of 120 days in jail and 3 years probation. The court... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You're absolutely right to feel confused—this kind of mismatch between court orders and DMV notices happens more often than you'd think. In Connecticut, both the criminal court and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can impose separate penalties for DUI offenses. Even if the court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Divorce delay reasons and 'judge having the matter' meaning.

I have been trying to finalize my divorce since 2021. I signed all the documents before leaving Jamaica, but I currently live in Barbados. My husband resides in the United States, and I do not want anything from him. My lawyer says the delay is due to the judge 'having the matter.' We... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

When your lawyer says that the judge "has the matter," it means that the judge is currently reviewing the case or has been assigned to make decisions regarding your divorce. This phrase often refers to the judge taking time to go over all the necessary paperwork, filings, and any... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Connecticut on
Q: Is a motion to dismiss appropriate due to lack of dog identification on a nuisance summons issued in CT?

I own two dogs, Dog A and Dog B, who recently ran loose but caused no damage. The dog warden issued one ticket with two counts of nuisance, but neither dog was identified on the summons. I received the summons while retrieving Dog A from the pound. Dog B remained at the pound until I provided proof... View More

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