Posted on February 28,2024 in Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, although the legal limit is determined on a state-by-state basis. In Connecticut, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if he or she has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% mg/dL.

The limit is much lower for commercial drivers, with federal and state regulations being at 0.04% mg/dL. In this article, our Stamford DUI defense lawyer will discuss the DUI laws pertaining to passenger vehicle drivers.

Legal Intoxication in Connecticut

It is against the law in most states, including Connecticut, to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. At this level, motorists can have reduced muscle coordination, impaired judgment, and diminished reasoning.

Connecticut’s zero-tolerance law prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from driving with any traceable amount of alcohol in their blood. Therefore, if you are younger than the legal drinking age, you are considered impaired if you have a blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02%.  

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 Posted on February 22,2024 in Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are usually harmless, with the driver getting a traffic ticket. Traffic violations are usually civil offenses, resulting in fines, points against your license, and increased insurance rates.

However, some traffic violations may be charged as a crime. A criminal charge should never be taken lightly. For these violations, you could potentially be sentenced to time in prison. This is not to mention the court fees and time that will be spent trying your case.

Below, our Stamford criminal defense attorney discusses offenses that may be charged as crimes in Connecticut.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

In every state, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. In Connecticut, a motorist is considered impaired if he or she is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This applies to anyone 21 years old or over.

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 Posted on February 16,2024 in Driving Under the Influence

If you are facing a charge of aggravated DUI in Connecticut, know the potential consequences you may be facing. The laws surrounding aggravated DUI offenses are strict, and the criminal justice system takes this offense very seriously.

That's why you should never wait to seek the assistance of a Stamford DUI defense lawyer who can provide the guidance and support you need. At Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, we defend DUI defendants, and we can assess your defense options.

The Severity of Aggravated DUI Charges

A DUI charge in itself is a serious matter, but the consequences of an aggravated DUI conviction can be even more severe. Aggravating factors can include: 

• Driving with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
• Causing injury or death while under the influence
• Driving with a suspended license

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 Posted on February 07,2024 in Real Estate Law

A deed is a legal document that transfers real property from a seller to the buyer. The deed is executed when the seller signs the document, officially conveying the property to the new owner

When a deed is not properly drafted or executed, then the validity of the transaction itself may be questioned. That is why it is always crucial to have a Stamford residential real estate attorney working on your behalf in any real estate transaction. Keep reading to find out what roles a deed serves in a real estate transaction.

Establishes Legal Ownership

Perhaps the most significant role is that a deed establishes your legal ownership of a property. It gives you the right to access and occupy the property, use the property as you desire, and transfer the property to another person.

The property description is the largest section of the deed, detailing the land’s boundaries. It allows a land surveyor to locate the property more easily and prevents boundary disputes.

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 Posted on January 30,2024 in Driving Under the Influence

Many people who face DUI charges are first-time offenders. Even if it is your first offense, a DUI charge can put your freedom at risk, with ramifications lasting long after you have been convicted

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need a Stamford DUI/DWI lawyer who can defend the charges brought against you.

Connecticut DUI Laws

Connecticut, like most states, makes it illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This is considered an elevated blood alcohol level, causing impairment.

The law is stricter for underage drivers. Anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

Under Connecticut General Statutes (CGS § 14-227b), all motorists who drive in the state consent to a blood, breath, or urine chemical test. A police officer who pulls over an individual who appears to be under the influence can request a blood test without needing the driver’s consent.

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 Posted on January 25,2024 in Criminal Defense

Many of the almost 60,000 people who were arrested in Connecticut in 2022 were probably confused about what was going to happen following their arrest. Did you know that most arrestees do not remain in police custody until their trial or that you enter a plea at a hearing known as an arraignment? You may have no idea how the arrest or pre-trial process works, which can make your head spin when nothing is being explained to you. 

Our Stamford criminal defense lawyer would like to discuss the process of posting bail and what court proceedings will follow your arrest.

Police Custody and Booking

Immediately following your arrest, you will be in police custody. You will be brought down to the police station for “booking.” During the booking process, your information will be entered into the police system, you will be fingerprinted, your mug shot will be taken, a full body search will be conducted, and the police will check to see if there are any outstanding warrants in your name.

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 Posted on January 18,2024 in Juvenile Crimes

If your child is accused of a crime, it is possible that he or she may be sent to juvenile detention. However, your child must be at least 10 years old to be tried in juvenile court

If law enforcement does decide to charge your child with a crime, there are several options that may be explored in lieu of detention. A Stamford, CT, Juvenile Defense Attorney can provide an overview of alternative forms of rehabilitation in Connecticut’s youth justice system.

Juveniles and the Court System

Connecticut law recognizes three forms of youth offenders:

• Juvenile delinquents: Youths under the age of 16 who violate a federal law, state law, or local ordinance
• Serious juvenile offenders: Youths who may be tried as adults for committing serious juvenile offenses
• Youthful offenders: Youths between the ages of 14 and 18 who violate the law are given this special status

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 Posted on January 10,2024 in Drug Charges

The consequences of a drug possession charge in Connecticut can be severe, including fines, probation, and even jail time. However, always remember that you have rights and options to defend yourself. There are several defenses that a skilled Stamford criminal defense attorney can raise to fight against drug possession charges.

At Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, we understand the complexity of drug possession cases and are here to help you navigate through the legal process. 

The Importance of Defending Against Drug Possession Charges

Defending against drug possession charges is of utmost importance because if convicted, you can face severe penalties that can impact your life for years to come. A drug possession conviction can have long-lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, obtaining housing, or securing financial assistance for education. 

By mounting a strong defense, you have the opportunity to protect your future and potentially mitigate the charges or have them dismissed. The following are some ways a Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer might defend against your charges, depending on the circumstances of your case. 

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 Posted on December 23,2023 in Criminal Defense

While the holidays give us the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, there is evidence that arrests increase in November and December. A recent study showed that both robbery and larceny increased by 20% during the holidays.

Spending the night in jail is the last thing that you need as you prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you or a loved one have been arrested during this holiday season, you need the experience that can only be found in a Stamford criminal defense lawyer

What Crimes Increase During the Holiday Season?

While these arrests happen year-round, there is evidence showing an uptick in the following crimes:

Larceny

With the pressure to buy the perfect gift for family members, the number of cases of shoplifting surge during the holidays

If you are charged with shoplifting, you may be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the cost of the merchandise stolen. At its most severe, if your merchandise is valued up to $15,000, you may be serving 20 years in prison, with a potential fine of $15,000

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 Posted on December 16,2023 in Criminal Defense

Miranda rights should be read to you after an arrest and if the police plan on questioning you. If you are in custody, then the police are required to read you your rights.

If you have been arrested, having the counsel of a Stamford criminal defense lawyer is key to protecting your legal rights. Keep reading to find out more about your rights following an arrest and when the Miranda Warning is required.

Miranda v. Arizona

In Miranda v. Arizona, the defendant was arrested at his home and taken to the police station, where he was questioned for two hours before he signed a written confession. At trial, both an oral and written confession were admitted into evidence, and the jury found the defendant guilty. 

The defendant appealed, and the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the lower court. The Supreme Court ruled that any statements or admissions that a defendant makes during a police interrogation could only be used as evidence if the defendant was first apprised of certain rights. 

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