Most criminal defense attorneys will agree that violent crimes happen far more frequently than many tend to believe. Such crimes are considered severe offenses that can attract enhanced penalties, often including potentially decades of imprisonment and steep monetary fines. Because of the nature of these kinds of offenses, such crimes are prosecuted very aggressively. To protect yourself from potentially serving many years in prison and having your life effectively ruined, contact a criminal defense attorney right away to ensure you have a fair chance at overcoming the charges.

Examples of Common Violent Crimes

Here is a list of examples of violent crimes in Connecticut that criminal defense attorneys work with regularly, including:

• Assault – This is defined as intentionally causing physical harm of an immediate nature toward another person. This crime can include threats, unwanted physical contact, or any conduct that places someone in immediate fear of contact or death by the perpetrators. Depending on the degree of assault and the injuries sustained, penalties in Connecticut can result in a several-year prison sentence and steep financial penalties
• Robbery - This is defined as the act of illegally taking someone’s valuable item, money, or property, and the person’s disregard of the owner’s rights over that property, often taking such property by using force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. It is considered to be a separate crime from theft or larceny on account of the necessity of the forceful and overpowering aspects of robbery. Moreover, robbery in Connecticut can be classified as a felony when a robber uses a weapon or causes serious injury to someone.
• Manslaughter and murder – These are two of the most severe and notorious examples of violent crimes in Connecticut. Manslaughter refers to when one party causes the death of another without premeditation or intentional killing. Murder, on the other hand, is the most severe of all violent crimes and involves the malicious intent to kill.
• Domestic violence – This is a range of abusive behaviors taking place within the household, creating a hostile environment for loved ones. Such behaviors can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Contact a Stamford, CT Criminal Defense Attorney

Being convicted of a violent crime can have life-shattering consequences. To give yourself the best chance possible to avoid being convicted of a violent crime, contact the judicious Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer with Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Call 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.

Many people are under the impression that assault and battery is one charge, however, under Connecticut law, they are two distinct crimes. They are related crimes, with both offenses involving the intentional use of force or violence against another person, but do have important differences. Understanding the difference between assault and battery is crucial for anyone who has been charged.

What Is Assault?

Assault is the act of intentionally causing another person to fear immediate bodily harm or injury. It does not require physical contact. The threat of harm can be either verbal or nonverbal. For example, pointing a gun at someone or threatening to hit them with a baseball bat are two actions that could be considered assault. If a person is arrested for assault, the crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the threat.

What Is Battery?

Battery involves the actual physical contact or harmful touching of another person without their consent. It does not require the intent to cause harm or injury, but rather the intentional act of touching in a way that is harmful or offensive. For example, pushing someone or hitting them with a closed fist could both be considered battery. Like assault, battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on both the circumstances of the incident and the harm that was caused.

In 2021, Connecticut lawmakers passed Public Act 21-32, also referred to as the Clean Slate Law. Under the law, anyone convicted of low-level felonies and misdemeanor offenses can have their conviction erased from their criminal records. Although the law was passed in 2021, it just took effect on January 1, 2023. The removal of convictions from a person’s criminal record can make a significant difference when applying for employment. The following is a brief overview of what companies are allowed to ask prospective employees and what people who have had their convictions erased are required and not required to disclose.

Who Does the Law Affect?

The purpose of the law was to give a fresh start for people who had certain criminal convictions, providing them with a “clean slate” and the ability to obtain steady employment without being required to reveal they have a criminal record. The law makes it illegal for companies to discriminate against someone because of a conviction.

Under the law, anyone convicted of a misdemeanor can have the conviction removed after seven years if the offense occurred on or after January 1, 2000.

Although the debate over gun laws continues across the country, many people may not be aware of what some of the laws are regarding accessories that are associated with firearms. One such category is body armor. Although body armor is something that is typically used by police and the military, there are more and more private citizens who are purchasing these items. If you are considering a purchase, it is important you understand what the laws are in Connecticut before doing so. Otherwise, you could face serious criminal consequences.

What Is Considered Body Armor?

There are several types of articles of clothing that the law classifies as body armor. These items contain Kevlar – or another similar material – that is designed to prevent bullets from penetrating the person utilizing the item. There are two types of body armor used in these items.  Hard body armor is made up of rigid plates or panels. Items that are classified as hard body armor include military-style items, like surveillance vests and flak jackets.

Soft body armor still has Kevlar. However, the panels are made up of softer materials. This type of armor is usually used in vests that are worn over shirts and can be worn on a daily basis, like the vests used by many police officers today.

Many people consider traffic offenses minor inconveniences that are resolved by paying the fine. Although most drivers know that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in jail time depending on any past DUI history and the circumstances of the arrest, many do not realize that there are some traffic violations that can also result in criminal charges and potential jail time. If you have been cited for a serious traffic violation, consider contacting a defense attorney to find out what the best legal course of action is.

Traffic Offenses and Criminal Charges

When you commit a traffic violation like failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or going five miles an hour over the speed limit, law enforcement will typically either issue you a warning or a citation. If you receive a citation, there will be a dollar amount that you are required to pay as a fine unless you choose to request a hearing in court to contest the citation. All of these citations – even minor ones – become part of your driving record.

There are some violations, however, that Connecticut law has deemed serious, and if law enforcement alleges you committed any of these violations, you will be arrested and charged with a crime, not given a ticket. The most common of these violations include: