Posted on December 13, 2024 in Driving Under the Influence

While incarceration for a Connecticut DUI is certainly a possibility, it may not be the most effective solution. Recognizing this, the Connecticut Department of Correction implemented the DUI Home Confinement Program. If you have been convicted of DUI or pled guilty to the offense, you may want to speak to your DUI attorney about your eligibility for the program.

This program could conceivably keep you out of jail or prison, allowing you to pay your debt to society while leading a relatively normal life. Speak to a Stamford, CT criminal defense attorney to determine whether this program would be a good choice for you if you are eligible.  

What Criminal Offenses Are Considered for the Home Confinement Program?

Under Connecticut Statute CGS 18-100h, the Department of Corrections can release offenders during their sentence to a sponsor or community residence that meets specific criteria. These offenders may not have been otherwise eligible for release because of a DUI mandatory sentence. The following six offenses are eligible for the program:

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 Posted on December 03, 2024 in Theft and Property Crimes

A former Glastonbury police officer was recently accused of being a "serial burglar" after breaking into businesses in four communities. The 37-year-old is suspected of at least 45 burglaries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

The man served as a Glastonbury police officer until September 2024 and is also a member of the Army National Guard who served time in Afghanistan. He was reportedly in good standing both as a police officer and of the National Guard, leaving fellow officers baffled as to the motive behind the alleged burglaries.

Although the terms "burglary" and "robbery" are often used interchangeably, they are very different crimes with different penalties. Both offenses are serious in terms of penalties and long-term consequences. Having an experienced Stamford, CT burglary attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can significantly affect the outcome of your charges.

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 Posted on November 25, 2024 in Real Estate Law

The inner workings of real estate are complex, and although you may not be aware of all of them, you have rights as a property owner in Connecticut. A residential real estate lawyer can be your best advisor and advocate, keeping you in the know about financial risks and sources of liability. The residential real estate attorney at Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner has over 40 years of legal experience, and he handles issues on behalf of homeowners, investors, and renters with his in-depth knowledge of the law. If you are looking to protect your property rights and mitigate risk, Attorney Daniel P. Weiner will look out for your best interests at every turn.

Quiet Title Actions

Buying a real estate property is not always as simple as signing off on a final transaction. Sometimes, questions of ownership can arise from the purchase of a property, particularly if there are gaps or inconsistencies in the chain of title. Other issues can arise from murky boundary lines, leading to disputes with your neighbors that can drag out in tedious litigation. A residential real estate attorney can put these issues to rest with a quiet title action, a formal legal procedure that definitively clarifies ownership of a property so as to eliminate any confusion. As an added benefit, quiet title actions can also address outstanding liens or debts from previous property owners, cutting out a source of liability. In short, a quiet title action secures your rights to your property by sorting out the previous history of ownership.

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 Posted on November 18, 2024 in Juvenile Crimes

Inevitably, we all make mistakes in our youth. If you had a criminal history as a teenager, you might have serious concerns about your future, asking questions like, Will an employer hold my record against me? Will I have a permanent criminal record? These questions might haunt you if you are looking to start fresh and change from the person you used to be. Connecticut has clear laws about juvenile crimes, and depending on your circumstances, it may or may not follow you into adulthood. If you are facing criminal charges as a juvenile offender, or are looking to clear your name after the fact, a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer can provide skilled representation.

Connecticut’s Ruling About Crimes Committed as a Minor

Connecticut separates non-adult criminals into two separate categories: "juvenile offenders" and "youthful offenders." The former category consists of anyone younger than 18 who commits a criminal offense not serious enough to be taken to adult courts. The latter category consists of those age 17 or younger who are tried as adults for a criminal offense for the first time without any prior history of felony convictions.

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 Posted on November 13, 2024 in Drug Charges

In Connecticut, the law cracks down hard on the possession and sale of hard drugs, with the possibility of tens of thousands of dollars in fines and years behind bars. The charges can vary wildly depending on what you were selling, where you were selling, and how much you were carrying. If you have been accused of drug charges in Connecticut, the skilled criminal defense lawyer at Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can represent you in court and make sure your best interests are protected.

Unlawful Marijuana Possession and Sale in Connecticut

Marijuana is legal for recreational usage in Connecticut. However, there are still laws that could land you into hot water if you are found violating them. A person can only have up to five ounces of marijuana at his or her home. The first offense is only a civil infraction, but a second violation is charged as a misdemeanor that will leave you with a criminal record. Additionally, carrying more than one and a half ounces in public is a misdemeanor with the possibility of a year in jail and a fine no greater than $2,000.

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 Posted on November 08, 2024 in Criminal Defense

It is an unfortunate fact of life that violence is sometimes unavoidable. In a worst-case scenario, you might have no choice but to use force to protect yourself, the people around you, or your property. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Connecticut, the experienced criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can advocate on your behalf and present a sympathetic case to a judge.

Consequences of Violent Crimes in Connecticut

In Connecticut, charges of violent crimes are strictly prosecuted. Keeping this in mind, you should seek out an experienced legal professional to represent you if you are charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, or assault resulting in serious injury. A conviction on any one of these charges will brand you with a criminal record, alongside the potential for serious prison time and high fines. The penalties are as follows:

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 Posted on October 31, 2024 in Real Estate Law

In times of financial hardship, you may be forced to make a hard call about your mortgage and real estate prospects. If you are facing the risk of foreclosure, a short sale may be the only option to recoup your losses and walk away with some of your credit intact. However, negotiating with the mortgage lender by yourself can leave you at a disadvantage if you are unsure of your rights. A real estate lawyer can give you a voice in a short sale, ensuring that you are financially equipped to transition into another home.

Understanding Foreclosure in Connecticut

If your financial situation can no longer accommodate a mortgage, you may be faced with foreclosure. In Connecticut, there are two distinct types of foreclosure that can be ordered by a judge: strict foreclosure and foreclosure by sale. A strict foreclosure gives you a hard deadline to pay off any debts on the mortgage, referred to as Law Day. If you fail to pay off the debt by Law Day, ownership of the property is turned over to the lender. 

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 Posted on October 23, 2024 in Hate Crimes

Hate crime charges are serious, as they not only threaten severe legal consequences in Connecticut but also carry a significant social stigma. From a criminal defense perspective, constructing a robust defense is vital for protecting the rights and future of the accused. Here is how your defense lawyer will approach your case.

Understanding Hate Crime Charges

A hate crime adds an additional layer of complexity to standard criminal charges, requiring proof of bias motivation. The prosecution must demonstrate that the accused committed the crime due to prejudice against the victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Defense attorneys work to dismantle this narrative by challenging the nature and strength of the evidence presented.

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 Posted on October 15, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Deciding whether to pursue a plea deal or take your criminal case to trial is a significant decision that could impact your future. When faced with a decision of this magnitude, consulting with an experienced lawyer is one of the most important things you can do. Each option has a different outcome, which is why it is important to be as informed as possible when making your decision. Here are some aspects to consider.

Understanding What Plea Deals Are All About

Before opting for a plea deal, it is essential to understand what it entails:

• Reduced charges – A plea deal may result in fewer charges than you initially faced, leading to a lighter jail sentence.

• Certainty of outcome—By accepting a plea deal, you know the exact consequences, reducing the uncertainty a trial could bring.

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 Posted on October 04, 2024 in Driving Under the Influence

When it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) laws, commercial driver's license (CDL) holders in Connecticut face stricter regulations than regular drivers. If you are a CDL driver facing DUI charges, it is crucial that you contact an experienced lawyer who can help navigate the complexities of the law. Your attorney will also help you protect your livelihood, as CDL holders rely on operating a vehicle to make a living, which can make the impact of DUI charges even more severe for them.

Stricter Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

One of the most significant differences in DUI laws for CDL drivers in Connecticut is the allowable blood alcohol concentration limit. While standard drivers face a BAC limit of 0.08 percent, CDL drivers are subject to a much lower limit of 0.04 percent.

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