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Connecticut Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Clarification on Connecticut statute 21a-279(a)(1) interpretation.

What does Connecticut statute 21a-279(a)(1) mean? I would like clarification on its interpretation and implications.

Lindy R. Urso
Lindy R. Urso
answered on Apr 27, 2025

If one is caught with any illegal drug - except Marijuana - he or she is subject to arrest for a Class A Misdemeanor, which means that there is a maximum jail term of 364 days and maximum of 3 years of probation.

There is a pretrial drug program for people with no prior similar...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Connecticut on
Q: A lawyer is having a conference call with me soon. I am representing myself in this case. Can I have a friend listen in?

The lawyer has been downright verbally abusive over email and I would like someone to witness it if he decides to threaten me or say something to intimate me that he doesn't wish witnessed. I am in CT and he is in IL

Carlton S Chen
Carlton S Chen
answered on Sep 3, 2024

You certainly may offer to speak on the phone with this lawyer so long as you inform him or her that you will have someone listen in and take notes. But make sure that you announce in advance the presence of this person on the call. Then, the lawyer certainly has the prerogative not to speak with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Connecticut on
Q: Does a letter of intent have to have the words letter of intent on it

Can you tell me what is required to be in a letter of intent when filing against police misconduct? And does one have to be filed in order to sue?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

A letter of intent, in the context of filing a claim against police misconduct, is a formal notice that informs the government agency of your intention to file a lawsuit. While there is no strict requirement to include the words "letter of intent" in the document, it should clearly convey... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: If someone in a state Of Connecticut had 2 warrants for violating probation and one for a failure to appear because

They had the wrong court date but immediately notified their probation officer that they went on the day after they were supposed to and Agreed to surrender on a specific date But they were picked up by police before then,will they serve time at their second court date after arrangement?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

If someone has two warrants for violating probation and one for failure to appear, the legal process can vary based on the circumstances and the court's decisions. If the individual has promptly notified their probation officer about the incorrect court date and agreed to surrender, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Connecticut on
Q: My mother works at high School in CT. As a monitor They are telling her she has to sit in the boys bathroom .is it legal
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

No, it is not legal for your mother to be forced to sit in the boys' bathroom at the high school where she works as a monitor. This is a violation of her right to privacy and could also be considered sexual harassment.

In this case, your mother is being subjected to unwanted sexual...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Does a prosecutor verify police information for a warrant?

In criminal law, does a prosecutor have the responsibility to ensure that the information submitted by police, for purposes of obtaining a warrant, is truthful and valid? This includes verifying the existence of evidence such as videos claimed by police.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Yes, a prosecutor plays an important role in reviewing and verifying the information submitted by police to obtain a warrant. While the police are responsible for gathering evidence and presenting it to the prosecutor, the prosecutor must ensure that the affidavit supporting the warrant request is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: How much time for second-degree criminal mischief in CT while on probation?

I'm on probation and recently got charged with criminal mischief in the second degree in Connecticut. How much time could I face for this, considering the circumstances?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I'm really sorry you're in this situation. Facing new charges while on probation can be overwhelming and may put your freedom at risk. It's good that you're asking these questions now, because understanding the possible consequences is an important step toward preparing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Charged with assault without victim in CT, how can state proceed?

I have been charged with assault in the third degree, but there is no victim to prove the act was committed. The only witness heard a verbal confrontation and called the police. There may be audio of the conversation, but no physical evidence or injury to a victim. The officers on the scene charged... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation. Facing criminal charges when you believe there’s no real evidence or victim can feel deeply unfair and confusing. You're right to ask how the state can move forward with a case like this.

In Connecticut, assault in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Will arrest for unpaid court fees after DUI show on background check in CT?

I was arrested for a DUI a few years ago, and because it was my first offense, I was able to take a class to have it removed from my record. At the courthouse, I confirmed with someone there that I was all set. However, I was later arrested for unpaid court fees related to the case, which I paid... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

In Connecticut, even if your original DUI was dismissed through a diversionary program, any later arrest related to that case—such as one for unpaid court fees—can still show up on a background check, depending on the type of check being run. Some background checks focus only on convictions,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Criminal Law and Real Estate Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can a landlord blame and take legal action for furnace damage without proof?

In a three-family rental property where everyone has access to the basement, the furnace was damaged. The landlord is blaming one tenant solely based on past experiences and not on actual evidence, and there has been communication from the landlord about this issue. There are agreements regarding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

You have every right to be concerned, especially when you’re being blamed for something without proof. A landlord cannot legally hold you responsible for damage to property—like a furnace—**unless they can show clear evidence** that you caused the damage. Just relying on past issues or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Connecticut on
Q: Can I seek dismissal of an unserved warrant issued 18 months ago and potentially claim rights violations?

I was informed at the State Police Department—while obtaining my fingerprints for a gun permit—that a warrant for criminal mischief had been issued against me 18 months prior, but it was never served. Despite residing at the same address near the issuing police department, I had to track down... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

Yes, you can file a motion with the court to request an explanation for why the warrant was never served, especially since you were living at the same address the entire time. An 18-month delay without notice can raise serious concerns about due process, particularly if it affected your ability to... 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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 Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Connecticut on
Q: Is there any major proof, what does the forensics look like? Is there any sign of foul play?

If she committed suicide what are they looking for?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2025

I'm really sorry you're facing these concerns. Investigators examine the scene for any signs of struggle, unusual items, or evidence that doesn’t fit with a natural death. They look for physical injuries, fingerprints, or DNA that might indicate someone else was involved.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Connecticut on
Q: I have a CRM VIO REST ORD-CONTCT PRSN charge and I’m going on my 6th appearance but my lawyer hasn’t filed an appearance

He joined my case after I went to two hearings without him hired and he was sick and sent a colleague for his first appearance so overall he attended two so far. Thoughts? He said they failed to send discovery over and then on the second appearance requested they send it again and scheduled my next... View More

Joseph Maya
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answered on Dec 11, 2024

A lawyer has an ethical obligation to represent a client in court proceedings. You may want to reach out to your lawyer in writing, perhaps by certified mail. Also, you may want to check with the ethics panel to determine what you can do about your particular situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law and Sexual Harassment for Connecticut on
Q: Why are women, that sleep with influential men for career advancement, considered victims instead of prostitutes?

For example, sleeping with a producer in exchange for acting jobs or sleeping with a CEO in exchange for an inflated salary and gifts.

Alan Harrison
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

I think that you're making a false dichotomy between "victim" or "prostitute".

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can someone show me how to test myself and answer questions not just studies cases. I want some proof it working
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 27, 2024

A Connecticut attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It sounds like you are a student taking law classes. You could check whether there are free sample questions online, either through undergrad courses or sample multistate questions for bar exams. There probably... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: I got a question why they charging me with. This charge I didn't do nothing on purpose it wasn't me

53a117f was the charge and the want purpose damage either can you let me know what I can ask in court how someone blaming the damage on me just cause the apartment it was on my name

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 24, 2023

If you've been charged with a specific offense, such as 53a-117f in Connecticut, it's essential to be proactive in addressing the situation. In court, you can inquire about several important aspects of your case. First and foremost, you should present any alibi or evidence indicating that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can a victim of a visa fraud scam sue for restitution from the guilty party years later?

The guilty party served time and is now a prominent youtuber, worth approximately 5mil.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 3, 2023

The statute of limitations may be tolled under certain circumstances, such as if the fraud was concealed. Given the specific complexities and potential for large monetary stakes, you should consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the merits and potential limitations of your case.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut on
Q: case was dismissed after completing AR. On my paperwork it says "This Case is a Non- Disclosable Dismissal" Explain?

had a case dismissed 12/2021 after completing AR. I had requested my disposition from the Clerk's Office and on the document it says *This case is a Non-Disclosable Dismissal* & This case was disposed of on 12/2021. What Does a Non Disclosable Dismissal mean?

Jullian H Jones
Jullian H Jones
answered on Jul 6, 2023

A case that is nolled is automatically dismissed 13 months after the nolle was entered. Once a case has been dismissed you are allowed under CT statutes to say you have never been arrested before. These cases are "non-disclosable" because admitting that there was a case in the first place... View More

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