Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hartford, CT

FAQs

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

  860-757-4000 is the non-emergency line of the Hartford Police Department.

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

  To obtain police reports, you can contact the Records Division at (860) 757-4150 and provide the relevant Incident Report Number. The Records Division will inform you of the number of pages required for your report.

• Can your conviction record be erased in Hartford?

  Yes, it is possible to have a conviction erased in Hartford by obtaining a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Requesting an absolute pardon can result in the individual's criminal record being expunged and not appearing on background checks. Certain licenses and jobs may also be eligible for a certificate of employability. On the other hand, a commutation can only reduce a sentence and does not restore any rights.

• Can one avoid a trial or jail through a diversionary program in Hartford?

  Yes. In Connecticut, there are diversionary programs that are accessible to certain individuals charged with criminal offenses, depending on factors such as their prior records and the nature of the charges. Successful completion of the program's terms can lead to the dismissal of the charges. In Hartford, these terms often involve attending substance abuse or educational programs and avoiding further legal trouble. The emphasis of these programs is on treatment rather than punishment.

• Are grand jury proceedings secret in Hartford?

  Connecticut, including Hartford, does not have a regular grand jury system for the most part. However, in rare instances where grand jury proceedings do occur, rules are usually in place to prevent government attorneys, grand jury members, and court personnel from disclosing the proceedings. If these rules are violated, the offender may be held in contempt of court if proven guilty. Nonetheless, identifying the person who made the prohibited disclosure can often be challenging.

• How does a state or district attorney decide which criminals to charge in Hartford?

  Typically, after the police have investigated a crime, they send a report to the district attorney or prosecutor, who evaluates the case to ensure it is legally sound and doesn't have obvious flaws that could lead to its dismissal. The prosecutor then decides whether there is sufficient and trustworthy evidence to prove the person's guilt and if offering a plea bargain is appropriate. Other considerations that impact the prosecutor's decision include the defendant's level of responsibility, the availability of resources in the prosecutor's office, and the importance of the case.

• What are the potential consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Hartford?

  If someone is convicted of a misdemeanor offense in Hartford, they may face fines, jail time, and restitution. Although misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, certain high-level misdemeanors can result in penalties similar to those of felony convictions. Examples of misdemeanor cases are shoplifting or theft, minor drug charges, and some serious traffic violations.

• 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.