Connecticut Criminal Defense Law Podcast

S10:E3 Reckless Driving in Connecticut

In this episode of the Ruane Attorneys podcast, Attorney Jay Ruane discusses one of the most serious of Connecticut motor vehicle charges - reckless driving.
Reckless driving in Connecticut is so serious because it is actually charged as a criminal offense. Most motor vehicle violations in Connecticut are just infractions, meaning that you don't face the criminal court process or criminal penalties. Instead, you face issues such as fines and driver's license issues imposed by the DMV.
However, the penalties can be much more severe for reckless driving and include jail time. You face Connecticut reckless driving if you drive too fast, drive at a speed that is dangerous to others, drive a vehicle with a defective mechanism, or if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle with the gears/clutch disengaged.
Reckless driving can be charged anywhere in the state, from Fairfield County to Hartford County and beyond. For more information on reckless driving and motor vehicle violations, check out our website.

S10:E2 Infractions and Points in Connecticut

In this episode of Season 10, Attorney Jay Ruane breaks down the DMV point system in Connecticut and also explains the different between infractions, violations, and crimes.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Connecticut has rules regarding different motor vehicle violations and what they mean for your driver's license. The more driving violations you get, the more points will be assessed against your license. If you reach 10 points against your license, it will be suspended.
It doesn't matter if you had one infraction in Hartford, a violation in New Haven, and a charge in New London. The DMV keeps track of all driving issues throughout the state, and the points will add up and stay on your license for 24 months.
If you are worried about keeping your license, check out this episode to learn more about points and violations.
You can also check out our website for more resources.

S10: E1 All About Licenses - The Motor Vehicle Season

In this first episode of Season 10, Connecticut criminal defense and motor vehicle violations lawyer Attorney Jay Ruane introduces Connecticut motor vehicle violations.
Here, Jay explains the levels of Connecticut licenses and endorsements. These include:
The Class D License.
The Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
The Class B CDL.
The Class C CDL.
In addition, there are 11 endorsements that could be added to a driver's license in Connecticut. These endorsements allow drivers to do different things, such as operate certain vehicles, drive certain passengers, etc.
For more information on driver's licenses and driving in Connecticut, visit our website.

S9:E9 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - Family Violence Education Program

In the final episode of the season, Attorney Rob Fontaine discusses the Family Violence Education Program and who might be eligible for the program with a case pending in court in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Family Violence Education Program is a diversionary program for those who face Connecticut domestic violence charges. It is available to those who have been charged with issues such as bodily harm, stalking, assault, and patterns of violence. Eligibility also hinges on not having used this program in the past, not being convicted of family violence since October 1st, 1986, and not having used the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program for Family Violence since October 1st, 1986.
This diversionary program is an alternative to jail time and other penalties for first time offenders. Whether you are facing a domestic violence crime at the Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rockville, and Torrington, or some other Courthouse, the Family Violence Education Program might be an option for you.
You can learn more about the Family Violence Education Program on our website or by following Attorney Fontaine on Facebook.

S9:E8 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - Community Service Labor Program

In this episode, Attorney Rob Fontaine discusses the Connecticut Community Service Labor Program (CSLP), which has undergone changes since its creation in 1990. This program was created for those facing Connecticut drug crimes. Instead of serving a jail sentence for a drug related crime, Connecticut defendants that are eligible can complete community service. Due to the changes made to this program, it can be used now as a post-conviction way to avoid jail time for drug offenses.
Those eligible for Connecticut's CSLP are:
Defendants who have never previously been convicted of illegal manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription or dispensing controlled substances or illegal manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription or dispensing controlled substances by a non-drug dependent person.
Defendants who have been convicted of a drug possession offense as a first offense.
Defendants that have not previously participated in CSLP.
Whether your drug case is being heard in Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Torrington, Hartford, or anywhere in between, the CSLP can be a powerful tool. Learn more here and on our website or by contacting an attorney. Also make sure to follow Attorney Fontaine on Facebook for more Connecticut legal information.

S9:E7 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - Pretrial School Violence Education Program

Attorney Rob Fontaine of Ruane Attorneys discusses the Connecticut Pretrial School Violence Education Program in this episode of our podcast. This is one of many Connecticut diversionary programs. Rob explains your child's eligibility for this program if they face an arrest at a Connecticut school.
If a child is charged with the threat of or use of physical violence on Connecticut school property or at school sponsored activities, they could be eligible for this program. The program consists of group anger management counseling to help kids learn to control their emotions and channel them into positive endeavors.
The Pretrial School Violence Education Program is an alternative to a run-in with the Connecticut juvenile court or criminal court system. It is a diversionary program meant to rehabilitate teens that express troubling behavior. No matter what school your child goes to, whether it is in Hartford County, Litchfield County, Fairfield County, New Haven County, Tolland County, Middlesex County, or Windham County, they will have an opportunity to take advantage of this program.
Learn more about this program in this episode, or visit our website for more information. You can also follow Attorney Fontaine's Facebook page for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/Attorney-Robert-Fontaine-109179583756279/

S9:E6 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - Youthful Offenders

In this episode of Season Nine, Connecticut criminal defense attorney Rob Fontaine discusses the Connecticut youthful offender program, in light of the recent Raise The Age legislation and its positives and negatives. This s one of many Connecticut diversionary programs.
Connecticut teens accused of a crime who are older than 16 but younger than 18 years old are eligible for the youthful offender program. This allows certain privileges for their Connecticut juvenile court cases. They will receive greater court confidentiality than adults. In addition, once the offender turns 21, their juvenile record will be erased, as long as they don't commit any other crimes before reaching the age of 21.
There are some Connecticut crimes that make a teenager ineligible for youthful offender status. Rob discusses the eligibility requirements on this episode.
No matter where in Connecticut a person faces a juvenile arrest, the youthful offender program is an option. All Connecticut courthouses will entertain the youthful offender option. It is a good idea to contact a Connecticut juvenile defense lawyer to determine if your child is eligible and how to best handle their legal situation.
For more information, check out our website. Need more Connecticut legal information? Follow Rob on Facebook.

S9:E5 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - Pretrial Alcohol Education Program

In this episode, Attorney Rob Fontaine talks the basics of the Connecticut Alcohol Education Program.
This is a popular program for first time Connecticut DUI offenders. This program allows offenders to participate in treatment programs and rehabilitative classes instead of facing jail time. If a person successfully completes the Alcohol Education Program, the Connecticut court will dismiss their case.
It doesn't matter what Connecticut road, town, or city you were arrested in, nor does it matter which Connecticut courthouse your case has been assigned to. If you are a first time offender and you fulfill the eligibility requirements, the Alcohol Education Program will be an option that you can consider.
There are pros and cons to using the Connecticut Alcohol Education Program to avoid a Driving Under the Influence conviction. A Connecticut DUI lawyer can help you weigh these pros and cons and make the right decision for yourself. If you would like to meet with our staff, we have offices in Shelton, Wethersfield, Norwich, and Stamford. We are happy to discuss your situation with you.
For more information, visit our website. You can also follow Rob on Facebook here.

S9:E4 Connecticut Diversionary Programs - CADAC

In this episode, Attorney Rob Fontaine talks about the often misunderstood and rarely used, but still on the books CADAC program in Connecticut. This is one of many diversionary programs in the state.
The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Program is meant to help those in Connecticut struggling with drug and alcohol dependency. This is treatment program that can be used as an alternative to jail time for those charged with a crime in Connecticut who are also drug dependent. There are a few other requirements that Attorney Fontaine discusses in this episode. This program can only be used once, so if you are considering this program, make sure that you are using it to the best of your ability.
Whether you are facing a case at the Stamford Courthouse, Torrington Courthouse, New Haven Courthouse, or any other courthouse in Connecticut, CADAC will be available if you meet the requirements.
You can learn more about this diversionary program on the Ruane Attorneys website. Also make sure to follow Attorney Fontaine on Facebook for more Connecticut legal information.

S9:E3 - Drug Education and Community Service Program

There are several Connecticut diversionary programs geared towards those who need help with substance abuse. In this episode, Connecticut criminal defense attorney Rob Fontaine discusses the Pretrial Drug Education and Community Service Program. This program is designed to assist those charged with drug crimes in getting them the treatment that they may need, as well as giving them an opportunity to give back to their community through community service. Rob discusses eligibility, fees and costs, and the benefits of program usage for defendants.
The Pretrial Drug Education and Community Service Program is designed to teach those with substance issues about the long term health issues of substance abuse and how to overcome their issues.
Those eligible for this program are those charged with crimes such as the use, possession/deliverance of drug paraphernalia; possession of a controlled substance; or possession of less than ½ oz. of cannabis type substance. To be eligible, you also can't have already used the Drug Education Program or the Pretrial Community Service Labor Program twice.
Rob goes into more detail about the program on this podcast. For further assistance, make sure to contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney. You can also visit our website for more resources, and make sure to follow Attorney Fontaine on Facebook!