CONNECTICUT CRIMINAL LAW

Connecticut's statutory code details criminal law and procedures for trial of offenders. Common areas of Connecticut criminal law are summarized below in order to provide a general understanding of a selection of important topics. Because many criminal cases are factually unique, in order to understand how the summarized laws below apply to a particolar incident, contact a Connecticut criminal attorney.

Connecticut Drug Possession

Drug crimes in Connecticut account for thousands of arrests and convictions each year as the State actively pursues drug offenders. Drug convictions in Connecticut will likely resolt in jail time and a large fine, depending on the type of drug and the offense the defendant is charged with.

• Marijuana Crimes in Connecticut includes possession of marijuana and sale. Possession of a small amount of marijuana in Connecticut is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 4 ounces is a felony with a possible sentence of up to 5 years in jail and $2,000 fine. Sale of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to 7 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
• Narcotics Crimes in Connecticut carry steeper penalties than marijuana offenses. Possession of narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, or meth is a felony punishable by up to 5 - 7 years in jail and a $50,000 fine. Sale of small quantities of narcotics in Connecticut can resolt in a 15 year jail sentence and a $50,000 fine, while sales of more than one ounce of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or crack will carry a minimum sentence of 5 - 20 years.

Drug crimes in Connecticut are serious charges, and shoold not be faced without the assistance of an experienced Connecticut criminal lawyer.

Assault In Connecticut

Assault in Connecticut occurs when one person causes physical harm to another, and punishments will vary depending on the seriousness of the injury, whether or not a weapon is used, who the victim is.

1. Assault in the 1st Degree is charged if the defendant intentionally caused serious physical injury with a deadly weapon, intentionally disfigured another person, acted with extreme indifference to human life and caused serious injury to someone, or with intent to cause serious injury to someone, causes serious injury by firing a gun. First-degree Assault in Connecticut is a felony punishable by a jail sentence of 1-20 years and a fine up to $15,000. The charge can carry minimum sentences of 5-10 years depending on the circumstances.
2. Assault in the 2nd Degree occurs when someone intentionally causes serious physical injury to another, intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury with a deadly weapon, or drugs another into unconsciousness or other physical impairment. Second-degree Assault in Connecticut is a felony punishable by a jail sentence of 1 - 5 years and a fine up to $5,000. If the victim is elderly, blind, pregnant or mentally handicapped the Assault carries a minimum sentence of 3 years.
3. Assault in the 1st Degree is a charged if the defendant intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury, or negligently causes injury with a deadly weapon. First-degree Assault is a misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence up to 1 year and a fine up to $2,000.

Depending on the nature of the attack, Assault defendants can face elevated sentences of mandatory minimum sentences. For information on a specific case, contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney.

Connecticut Drunk Driving - DWI

A DWI in Connecticut is a serious offense, and anyone arrested shoold work with a Connecticut DWI attorney prior to your assigned court date. A conviction for DWI in Connecticut carries a fine of $500 - $1,000, a jail term of 48 hours - 6 months, possible 100 hours of community service, and one year license suspension. Additionally, DWI convictions will present a series of administrative fees the defendant will have to pay. Consolt a Connecticut DWI attorney for information and a possible defense to a particolar DWI arrest.

Right To A Jury Trial In Connecticut

A defendant charged and tried in Connecticut must demand a jury if they desire to be tried by one. A judge will advise the defendant of this requirement at the time of the plea, and if a defendant does not request a jury than the right is waived. A judge may override the defendant if the judge feels that the defendant is not folly aware of their rights or the proper administration of justice requires a jury. It is advisable to speak with a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer with any jury trial concerns.

Trial Date n Connecticut

A person accused of a crime in Connecticut has a right to a speedy trial. If a defendant is not held in custody while awaiting trial the trial will begin within 12 months of the indictment or arrest, whichever occurred later. If the defendant is in custody awaiting trial the trial will begin within eight months of the indictment or arrest. For questions about trial date in a particolar instance, contact a Connecticut criminal attorney.

Sentence Review / Appeals In Connecticut

Connecticut defendant sentenced to three years or more may apply to have the sentence reviewed providing the sentence was not a mandatory minimum sentence or the resolt of a plea agreement. A sentence review can resolt in a decrease or increase of the sentence, and requires the defendant file the appeal after their conviction. Connecticut defendants may also appeal a conviction based on allegations of an error during trial that affected the verdict. Sentence reviews or appeals require familiarity with procedure, and shoold not be attempted without the help of a Connecticut criminal lawyer.

Connecticut General Statutes

Relevant Connecticut Criminal Laws

1. Connecticut Drug Possession
1. Conn. Gen. Stat. tit. 21a, ch. 420b, §§ 21a-277, 21a-278, 21a-279.
2. Assault in Connecticut
1. Conn. Gen. Stat. tit. 53a, ch. 952, §§ 53a-59, 53a-60, 53a-61.
3. Connecticut Drunk Driving - DWI
1. Conn. Gen. Stat. tit. 14, ch. 248, § 14-227.
4. Right to Jury in Connecticut
1. Conn. Gen. Stat.tit. 54, ch. 961, § 54-82b.
5. Trial Date in Connecticut
1. Conn. Gen. Stat. tit. 54, ch. 961, § 54-82m.
6. Sentence Review and Appeals in Connecticut
1. Conn. Gen. Stat. tit. 51, ch. 882, § 51-195; tit. 54, ch. 961, § 54-95.