Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Danbury, CT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Danbury, Connecticut?

  To get a hold of the non-emergency contact for the local police station in Danbury, Connecticut, you can reach (203) 797-4500.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Danbury, Connecticut?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Danbury, Connecticut, from the Danbury Police Records Division.

• What is the penalty for being criminally charged with domestic violence in Danbury?

  If you are charged with a criminal charge of domestic violence in Danbury, you could face prison time ranging from 6 months to 25 years and fines, depending on how severe the charges are. In addition, the person accusing you of domestic violence may also file a restraining order against you.

• What happens when you are arrested for a criminal offense in Danbury?

  If you are arrested in Danbury for a criminal offense, you must report to Danbury Superior Court, which handles criminal, traffic, domestic violence, divorce, small claims, and civil divisions. The court also takes several cases, such as adult criminal arrests in surrounding areas. Hence, you will need assistance from a legal expert in your arraignment or supervised pre-trial courtroom.

• Which types of charges in Danbury require the assistance of a criminal defense attorney?

  In Danbury, criminal defense attorneys are necessary for various charges that may lead to criminal proceedings. Such charges include assault and theft-related crimes, drug use and trafficking, weapons and gun-related crimes, murder, homicide, juvenile crimes, kidnapping, and sex trafficking, as well as charges related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.

• What's the advantage of getting an attorney to handle your criminal case in Danbury?

  If you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer for your case in Danbury, you can benefit in several ways. They can help you navigate complex laws, use their experience to handle the case, and provide the right resources to strengthen your representation. Additionally, a lawyer can protect you from heavy fines and imprisonment.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Danbury?

  Yes. If you have a criminal record in Danbury, you can seek a pardon to clear it, regardless of whether you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. The specific type of pardon you're eligible for will depend on your record's nature and the charges' severity. Three types of pardons are available, and each can help enhance your opportunities for employment, professional licensing, housing, loans, and other critical areas that a criminal record may restrict.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.