Recent Blog Posts
Common Title Issues When Purchasing Residential Real Estate
Every year, more than 80% of Americans opt to purchase owner’s title insurance to protect themselves against any debts and/or liens that might exist against their property.
Our Stamford real estate attorney would like to inform you of common title issues that may arise when you purchase a home and the benefits of buying an owner’s title insurance policy.
What is a Title Issue?
A title issue, also known as a title “defect,” is a problem with the legal right of ownership of a home. Before a home is sold, a title insurance company will run a title search as part of the closing process. The title search is conducted to find any outstanding liens, debts, or other claims to the property.
Two Common Juvenile Offenses in CT
Children and young people can be charged with the same crimes as adults. If a minor has committed an offense, their case will be tried in juvenile court. A juvenile may be charged with a delinquent act or serious juvenile offense. Connecticut law defines 50 felonies as serious juvenile offenses
In Connecticut, a juvenile is considered to be between the ages of 10 to 17. Whether it be an adolescent, college student, or another young person, a Stamford criminal defense attorney is here to offer your child the legal representation that is needed.
The following are two common allegations against juveniles
Possession of Drugs
One of the most common juvenile offenses is the possession of drugs. According to CGS §21a-277, a person may not manufacture, distribute, sell, prescribe, or dispense any narcotic or hallucinogenic substance.
A Current Look at Drug Crimes in Connecticut
Connecticut law takes drug offenses seriously, but these laws regularly change and can be confusing. Below is a brief overview of current drug crimes in CT. If you face charges or are arrested, consult with a Fairfield County drug defense lawyer today.
Marijuana in Connecticut
While Connecticut has joined the many states that have legalized adult recreational use of marijuana, there are still restrictions under the law, and violations can lead to potential criminal charges. The following are some things you should know about marijuana laws in CT:
What You Need to Know About DUIs and Property Damage
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense that can bring severe consequences, especially when property damage is involved. Suppose you have been charged with DUI and causing subsequent property damage, such as hitting a stop sign, tree, mailbox, or something else. In that case, you need to strongly consider hiring a lawyer, as a DUI conviction involving property damage can escalate the possible penalties. Your lawyer will be not only well-versed in Connecticut DUI law but will also have a firm understanding of the defense strategies that may play to your advantage as your case proceeds.
Why Do Trucks Have Weight Restrictions?
Trucks play a vital role in the transportation industry, but their weight can pose significant risks to infrastructure and public safety. Because of the risk overweight trucks pose, weight restrictions are in place to help road users and truckers be safe. If you have been charged with a traffic offense or trucking violation, contact a lawyer to ensure you can adequately fight the charges against you.
Understanding the Weight Restriction Issue
The federal Department of Transportation has weight restriction regulations. Regulations also exist within the Connecticut Department of Transportation. These essential guidelines are in place to:
Should You Buy a House Without a Real Estate Lawyer?
Not only is purchasing a home a significant life milestone, but it also constitutes a complex legal transaction. While some may be tempted to forgo hiring a real estate lawyer to save costs, this decision can have far-reaching negative consequences. As a result, you should not buy a house without the guidance of a real estate attorney. If you are in the market to purchase a home, contact an experienced lawyer to help assist you in completing this complex and exciting transaction to protect your interests while ensuring the transaction is legally binding.
Dissecting the Legal Landscape
Real estate transactions involve a multitude of legal documents, contracts, and intricate procedures. It is easy to overlook specific details or misunderstand complex legal terminology without legal guidance. A real estate lawyer is well-versed in the legal landscape, ensuring you fully understand the terms and obligations before entering into any agreements.
What Constitutes a Hate Crime in Connecticut?
Hate crimes are deeply troubling offenses that target individuals based on their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Essentially, a hate crime is any criminal act committed with the specific intent to intimidate, harass, or discriminate against an individual or group based on their protected characteristics. If you have been charged with committing a hate crime, contact a Connecticut lawyer as soon as you are able. Hate crimes are aggressively pursued by prosecutors, which means those charged with an alleged hate crime need to strongly consider obtaining legal representation from a qualified attorney.
Everything You Need to Know About Date Rape
Date rape cases are highly sensitive and complex, requiring a thorough understanding of the legal landscape from a criminal defense standpoint. The law prosecutes such matters very seriously, making it essential for anyone facing such charges to seek legal guidance at once. Today, we will explore important aspects of date rape cases, including legal definitions, consent, evidence, and the role of defense attorneys. By examining these elements, we aim to provide insight into the legal process surrounding date rape allegations.
Defining What Date Rape Means
At its core, date rape involves non-consensual sexual activity between two people who share an acquaintance, either in a non-romantic or romantic capacity. Date rape, like any other form of sexual assault, requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the sexual encounter lacked consent. Defense attorneys working with clients charged with committing date rape must carefully review the evidence, establishing the presence of consent or disputing the prosecution’s ability to demonstrate the encounter lacked consent. Like in all other criminal matters, the burden remains on the prosecution to present a strong case, adhering to the principles of due process.
Why Selling a House Without a Real Estate Attorney Is a Bad Idea
Selling a house is a significant financial and legal transaction, and it is crucial to navigate the process with care. While some may choose to sell their home without the assistance of a residential real estate attorney in an effort to save a few dollars, it often proves to be a misguided decision. Today, we will explore why selling a house without legal counsel can be risky, highlighting the importance of having a residential real estate lawyer by your side throughout the process.
Selling a House is No Small Feat
Numerous legal complexities are involved when selling a house. As a result, attempting to complete the process without the counsel of a qualified attorney who understands the legality of the process is not recommended. Residential real estate attorneys are well-versed in state and local laws and regulations surrounding property transactions. As a result, they can ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately, including deeds, contracts, and disclosure forms. By having an attorney draft and review these documents, you can avoid potential legal pitfalls and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
How to Ensure You Do Not Miss a Court Appearance in Your Criminal Case
Missing a court appearance in a criminal case can have serious consequences, including arrest warrants, additional charges, and a negative impact on your case's outcome. Today, we will discuss essential steps you can take to ensure you do not miss any court appearances, effectively navigate the legal process, and safeguard your rights and interests. Of course, when facing criminal charges, retaining legal counsel is important in fighting the charges and working to obtain a favorable case outcome.
Understanding the Importance of Court Appearances
Court appearances are a fundamental part of the criminal justice process. They allow defendants to establish their presence, address the charges against them, and present a defense. Failing to appear can result in severe penalties and consequences. It is essential to understand the significance of these appearances and take proactive measures to ensure that you fulfill your obligations and avoid any unnecessary complications.