Posted on October 09,2015 in Sex Crimes

Youth in every society, from the beginning of time, have pushed boundaries, and explored their sexuality. Today’s teenagers are no different. But, the consequences of their actions can now be recorded and distributed through smart phones and published on the web for the world to see. Connecticut has developed a set of laws to deal specifically with youth under age 18 who engage in sexting.

Sexting and Child Pornography

The law in Connecticut makes it illegal for anyone under 18 and at least 13 years old to possess or transmit sexually explicit images, through a computer or mobile phone, of anyone between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. Here are some examples of how the law works:

• A 17-year old takes naked picture of her 15 year old boyfriend with her phone. She has committed a crime.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 25,2015 in White Collar Crimes

One of the biggest challenges lawmakers face is trying to write laws that keep pace with the rapid advancement of technology. Connecticut has several different computer crimes on the books. Unfortunately, these laws are often written and interpreted broadly, sweeping up some people who may never have thought of themselves as criminals.

The five major computer crimes are:

1. Unauthorized access to a computer system;
2. Theft of computer services;
3. Interruption of computer services;
4. Misuse of computer system information; and
5. Destruction of computer equipment

Unauthorized Access to a Computer System

You have committed this crime if you have knowingly accessed any computer or computer system, when you knew you didn’t have authority to do so. This could include everything from stealing passwords to a computer or a computer program. If you hack into the email of your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend, you may have committed the crime of unauthorized access to a computer system.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 17,2015 in Theft and Property Crimes

As long as there has been civilization, there has been graffiti. Whether it is scratching initials into a desk or painting an entire mural on the wall of the local school, people are always looking for new ways to leave their mark on their hometown. However, graffiti is considered a property crime and can lead to serious penalties if police catch you. Budding street artists in Connecticut are finding this out the hard way.

Earlier this year, a group of graffiti artists were arrested after their identities were revealed on Instagram. They are now facing possible jail time after defacing property worth upward of $12,000.

The Potential Consequences of a Conviction

Graffiti is classified as criminal mischief in Connecticut, and the penalties vary depending on the seriousness of each case. If you were charged with first-degree criminal mischief, which is considered a felony, it is because:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 10,2015 in Drug Charges

In Connecticut, if police catch you in possession of an illegal substance, chances are you will face drug charges. These can come with steep fines and even time behind bars. However, many people are not aware that if police arrest you for possessing drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe, you may also face severe penalties.

According to Connecticut law, it is illegal for anyone to be in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention of using it for any of several listed drug-related purposes, which can range from growing or preparing to ingesting or inhaling controlled substances.

Several items are classified as “paraphernalia,” such as:

• Kits intended to be used for planting, cultivating, growing, propagating, or harvesting marijuana plants or other plants from which a controlled substance can be derived;
• Testing equipment used for analyzing the strength, purity, or effectiveness of a controlled substance;

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 03,2015 in Traffic Violations

The consequences of a speeding ticket extend beyond the fines and possible court appearance. Another potential penalty is a driver’s license suspension.

According to the Connecticut Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, if you plead guilty to four unsafe moving violations within two years, then your license will be suspended. It is important to note, however, that receiving a fine and pleading guilty to a violation are not the same.

In Connecticut, drivers can “plead guilty” by mailing in the citation with a payment for the fine. The DMV can suspend your license if you do this four times. It is therefore important to consult a lawyer before sending in your ticket with a guilty plea.

What Constitutes an “Unsafe Moving Violation?”

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 28,2015 in Driving Under the Influence

When most people fail a breathalyzer test, they admit defeat. Many ask, “What is the point of fighting DUI charges?” However, the truth is that these devices can produce false positives if they are not calibrated correctly. In fact, research has shown that breathalyzers have a 40 percent margin of error, according to a report in the Boston Globe.

There have been several cases of false positives. Last year in Connecticut, a DUI case was thrown out of court after DNA tests revealed that the defendant had a BAC of 0.0.

In addition to questioning the breathalyzer results, there are other potential defenses that could work in your favor. For example, your attorney could question whether the officer had probable cause to pull you over in the first place.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 26,2015 in Domestic Violence

Although each case of domestic abuse is unique, they all have one factor in common: Facing domestic violence charges is one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of the defendant’s life. Restraining and protective orders can reflect poorly on your record, and you might even face jail time if convicted. Fortunately, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and an experienced domestic abuse attorney can assess your case, explain your rights, and represent your interests in court.

If you are facing domestic violence charges, you probably have many questions and concerns. Here are three FAQs about domestic abuse:

Is There a Difference between Protective and Restraining Orders?

Protective and restraining orders are common solutions for those trying to put a legal barrier between themselves and their alleged abusers. Many are not aware, however, that there are some differences between the two.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 14,2015 in Criminal Defense

A case that Stamford police are calling one of the most grim they can remember has ended with a manslaughter plea, according to the Stamford Advocate. A man arrested for the homicide and sexual assault of an infant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and risk of injury to a child, and is scheduled to be sentenced to 14 years in prison with six years of parole. The baby was a victim of shaken baby syndrome, in which brain damage, retinal damage, and bone fractures can be caused by violent shaking, especially when an infant’s head is whipped back and forth or from side to side.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a diagnosis that first made national news in 1997, when a British au pair was tried for the murder of a Massachusetts infant. As far back as that, a determined group of skeptics started research, unwilling to believe that a human was truly capable of shaking a baby to death.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 07,2015 in Criminal Defense

Many crime shows today revolve around the theme of internet predators. With the popularity of social media, the reality of online solicitation of minors is growing as children and young adults frequently use the Internet and social media in their everyday lives, raising concerns about the potential for sexual predator crimes.

In the state of Connecticut, online solicitation of a minor is defined as using a computer service that is interactive to coerce a person less than 16 years of age. If you know that the person you are talking to is under 16, and you attempt to entice them into prostitution or sexual acts, you can be charged with a criminal offense.

Solicitation of a minor is a class D felony in the state of Connecticut. A first offense through a computer network (online solicitation) is a class C felony, and the second offense through a computer network is a class B felony.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 28,2015 in Criminal Defense

The problem of underage drinking is rampant everywhere, and Connecticut is no exception. Use of alcohol by minors often leads to the commission of more serious crimes.

Connecticut law provides stiff penalties for minors who purchase or possess alcohol. In addition to fines and possibly jail time, penalties include driver’s license suspensions or a delay in obtaining a driver’s license.

Alcohol Possession

Possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21 is an infraction for which the fine is $200 to $500. The Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend the driver’s license of any minor convicted of alcohol possession for 30 days if the minor possessed alcohol on a public street or highway or 60 days if the minor possessed alcohol in any other public or private location.

Continue Reading ››