Posted on August 31, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

If you are pulled over in Connecticut for suspected DUI, you will likely be asked to blow into a breathalyzer. Since Connecticut has an implied consent law, if you refuse a breathalyzer test, your driver’s license will be suspended. Even without breathalyzer results, you can still be charged with DUI based on the police officer’s observations of how you were driving and your general appearance and actions, so there may be very few situations that would benefit from refusing a breathalyzer.

You may wonder whether you can be forced to take a blood test against your will in Connecticut if you refuse the breathalyzer test. The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors discussed below. If you are facing DUI charges in the state of Connecticut, you should always take such charges very seriously. An experienced Stamford, CT criminal defense lawyer can help ensure your rights and your future are fully protected.

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 Posted on August 22, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

There are many collateral consequences to a DUI conviction, many of which last for years after you have paid the legal penalties. The lasting mark left on your criminal record from a DUI conviction can impact employment opportunities, housing, insurance rates, professional licensing, and more.

If you are facing these consequences from a DUI in Connecticut (§ 14-227a), you may be wondering whether you can have your record expunged or erased. The answer to that question depends on several factors and is unique to each case. It can be highly beneficial for you to consult with a knowledgeable Stamford, CT, criminal defense attorney to determine your path forward.

Judicial Consequences of DUI

A first DUI conviction in Connecticut can result in up to two years of probation, up to six months in jail (which can usually be avoided through participation in the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP), a mandatory 45-day license suspension, and fines and fees. In some cases, participation in a substance abuse program may be required. Subsequent DUI offenses have increasingly severe penalties.

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 Posted on August 14, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

A New Haven, CT juvenile was recently arrested after being caught on security video stealing a car. The July 13th auto theft resulted in a warrant being issued for the juvenile, who said the theft was a prank and that he abandoned the automobile near the home from which he took it. Unfortunately, many juveniles have engaged in what they thought was a harmless joke, only to have it quickly spiral into juvenile criminal charges. In Connecticut, "borrowing" something without permission, or taking something on a dare, can meet the legal definition of theft.

This can result in juveniles being sent to juvenile court, with potential consequences that can follow them for a long time. Connecticut law – whether for adults or juveniles – focuses on the intent to deprive an owner of property. These laws are not particularly lenient when it comes to juvenile pranks, and parents must consult an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if their child is charged with a crime.

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 Posted on August 08, 2025 in Real Estate Law

As if buying and selling real estate is not complicated enough, when it comes to seller disclosures, just how far are sellers required to go? While it may sound like an unlikely problem to have, what if you find that your dream home is seriously haunted, and the seller knew, but did not disclose that information? Except for four states in the U.S., sellers are under no obligation to disclose that their property comes with a haunted past.

New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Minnesota do have legal provisions regarding the disclosure of a haunted house for sellers. A famous 1991 New York case, Stambovsky v. Ackley, allows buyers to rescind a sale if the seller has ever publicly acknowledged or promoted the home as haunted, yet did not inform the buyer.   

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 Posted on July 29, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

When you think about a DUI in Connecticut, you likely picture a driver behind the wheel of a car after spending a few hours at a local bar. It might never occur to you that operating something much smaller while impaired – like a snowmobile or a golf cart – could also result in DUI charges.

In fact, operating any motorized vehicle while under the influence, including recreational vehicles, could potentially result in DUI charges. Below you will find more information that you should know before taking a shortcut across a course or trail after a few drinks. Consulting a skilled Stamford, CT DUI attorney is equally important to ensure your rights and your future are properly protected.  

Connecticut’s DUI Laws

In Connecticut, the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), and OUI (Operating Under the Influence) are often used interchangeably, with DUI being the primary term used. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC that is 0.08 percent or higher. For an individual under 21, the legal limit is 0.02 percent, and for a person with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the legal limit is 0.04 percent.

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 Posted on July 22, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile crimes, particularly vehicle thefts, spiked in the state in 2020, but have returned to near-historic lows. Experts believe the disruptions brought on by the pandemic were the major cause of the increase in juvenile crimes.  As if dealing with a child’s criminal charges is not stressful enough, as parents, you may also have to deal with your own set of legal issues as a result of your child’s crime.  

From financial responsibility to civil lawsuits, Connecticut law (Section 52-572 of the Connecticut General Statutes) allows for certain situations under which parents can be held liable for their minor child’s actions. If your child has recently been charged with a crime, it is important to understand how the state could hold you accountable and what steps you need to take to protect yourself and your child. An experienced Stamford, CT juvenile crimes lawyer can help you sort out all the issues in the best way possible.

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 Posted on July 15, 2025 in Real Estate Law

Perhaps you are looking for a bargain in your home-buying endeavors. If so, a home advertised as-is for a substantially lower price can be an appealing option. While some as-is home transactions turn out well, it is essential to recognize the potential legal and financial risks. When a seller lists a home as-is, it typically means they will make no repairs and offer no warranties regarding the home's condition.

Under Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 20-327b), this does not mean you are left completely unprotected, as sellers still have certain obligations regarding disclosures. When you have an experienced Stamford, CT real estate attorney in your corner, you can rest easy, knowing your home-buying experience will go smoothly and that every detail will be carefully scrutinized.

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 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

Connecticut law enforcement agencies routinely set up  DUI checkpoints, sometimes known as "sobriety checkpoints," to catch impaired drivers. Under Connecticut state law – and federal law – these DUI checkpoints are legal, although 12 states currently either prohibit DUI checkpoints or do not use them. That said, in some cases, police officers may violate your rights during the DUI stop process.

It is essential to understand the limitations of police authority at a DUI checkpoint, so you can respond appropriately and protect yourself from unnecessary legal consequences. If you have been arrested at a DUI checkpoint and are now facing DUI charges, speaking to an experienced Stamford, CT DUI attorney can be extremely beneficial.  

Ruling in Connecticut That Makes Sobriety Checkpoints Legal

Connecticut DUI laws can be found at: CGS Sections 14‑227a, 227g, 227b.   In Connecticut v. Boisvert (1996), the Connecticut Appellate Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints are constitutionally permissible, so long as the stops adhere to the following restrictions and guidelines:

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 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Real Estate Law

When you sell your home without using a real estate agent, this is known as "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO). Choosing to sell your home on your own may seem like a good way to save money on commissions. In Connecticut, however, you must still go through the legal requirements involved in a  residential real estate transaction.

These requirements may include drafting a valid purchase agreement, complying with mandatory disclosures, handling the closing process, and other related tasks. If you are wondering whether an FSBO is a good idea for your specific situation, it can be beneficial to speak to an experienced Stamford, CT real estate attorney.   

Pros and Cons of Selling Without a Real Estate Agent

While the state of Connecticut does not require sellers to hire a Realtor, it does require sellers to hire a real estate attorney. A realtor also has an important role in selling residential real estate, so consider the following pros and cons. The advantages include:

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 Posted on June 25, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

Teenagers often make impulsive decisions, engaging in risk-taking behaviors with little consideration of the potential consequences. Research has shown that the frontal brain lobe, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, consequential thinking, and sensation-seeking, is not completely developed until the early to mid-20s. Those between the ages of 12 and 17 are more likely to make impulsive choices and engage in risky behaviors, but should those poor decisions follow them for life?

In Connecticut, a juvenile criminal offense does not have to follow a young person for life, as the law offers certain protections for juveniles with criminal records. Perhaps your child was in the wrong place at the wrong time or made a poor decision, and you are wondering whether that record can be sealed or expunged. In some instances, there are legal processes that can erase a juvenile record. This is a complex issue that could significantly benefit from the guidance of an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile criminal defense attorney.  

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