Connecticut Criminal Defense Law Podcast

S6:E1 The Civil Rights Lawsuit

This season of the Ruane Attorneys podcast will center around civil rights issues in America. In this episode, we welcome our guest host for this season's discussion, Connecticut civil rights Attorney Dan Lage.
Throughout this season, Attorney Lage will cover some historical background to civil rights law and explain what a civil rights lawsuit might like like once it's filed. He will walk you through common issues, examples, and potential outcomes for your civil rights case.
You can find more information on the Ruane Attorneys website. You can also keep in touch with Dan by following his Facebook page.

S5:E10 Violations of Probation in Connecticut

In the last episode of the season, Connecticut criminal defense attorney Jim Ruane talks about the challenges with being on probation and being violated, and how the stakes are much higher if you are facing violation of probation (VOP) issues in Connecticut.
When a person is placed on probation in Connecticut, this usually comes with certain terms for release. These terms might include not possessing firearms, keeping a job, checking in with a Connecticut probation officer at designated times, refraining from using drugs and alcohol, etc. If a person is found in violation of their release conditions, they are in violation of their probation. If violation of probation is proven, you could be sent back to jail.
You can learn more about violation of probation by checking out our website.

S5:E9 Pleas, Trials and Sentencing in Connecticut Criminal Cases

One of the hardest things to do when faced with a criminal charge is decided to resolve your case with a plea or go to trial. Connecticut criminal defense attorney Jim Ruane explains the complex factors that can go into a decision in this episode of the podcast. By understanding both options, and the sentencing consequences, you can make an informed decision.
Connecticut guilty pleas in criminal cases can take three forms - straight guilty pleas, Alford pleas, and no contest pleas. Jim describes the pleas in more detail. This information can help you make a decision if you are thinking of making a guilty plea.
Alternatively, you may choose to plead not guilty in your case. Jim also explains the pros and cons of this decision here.
Visit our website to learn more.

S5:E8 Drug Sales and Possession in Connecticut

In this very special episode, Connecticut criminal defense attorney Jim Ruane discusses common Connecticut drug crimes. He outlines the crimes of drug possession and sales, as well as the defenses that you and your attorney can make to whatever charges you face. Jim also discusses some options if you are charged with either offense.
In this episode, you can learn more about:
Classifications of drugs (called Schedules in Connecticut)
Physical drug possession
Constructive possession
Legalization and decriminalization of certain drugs
Drug sale definition
For more information on Connecticut drug crimes, check out the Ruane Attorneys website.

S5:E7 Connecticut Criminal Firearms Laws

In Episode Seven of this season, Connecticut criminal trial specialist Jim Ruane talks about firearms charges in Connecticut. He discusses how the politics of firearms impacts case results.
Did you know that Connecticut has some of the most complex and stringent firearm laws in the country? It is also very difficult for someone who has been convicted of a crime to legally own a firearm. Finally, Connecticut doesn't recognize out-of-state carry permits or licenses, so do not expect your out-of-state license to be sufficient in Connecticut .
Gun ownership and crimes committed using guns are taken very seriously. You can learn more about license requirements as well as who can and cannot possess firearms on this episode. For more information, visit our website.

S5:E6 Assault, Fighting, Breach of Peace in Connecticut: The Law and the Penalties

In this episode, Jim discusses the laws around assault charges in Connecticut and what you can be facing if you wind up charged with assault at any degree.
Connecticut assault crimes include assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and assault in the third degree. Other assault type behaviors in Connecticut are disorderly conduct, threatening, and breach of peace. In this episode, Jim provides more information about these assault charges as well as defense to them.
For more information, check out our website.

S5:E5 Larceny, Shoplifting and Stealing - The Crime and Punishment in Connecticut

In the 5th episode of the season, Ruane Attorneys senior trial lawyer Jim Ruane talks about larceny, theft, shoplifting and the penalties for the different value levels you could be facing.
In Connecticut, there are many forms of larceny. Outlined in this episode are a few common ones, as well as some frequently asked questions that he receives at Ruane Attorneys. You can also learn about Connecticut penalties for different larceny related crimes in this episode. Whether you face a larceny charge at the Danbury, Stamford, or Torrington Courthouse, or anywhere in between, this episode can give you the information that you need.
For more information on larceny, theft, and similar Connecticut crimes, visit our website.

S5:E4 The Disgrace of the Connecticut Criminal Justice System - ”Motion” Practice

In this episode of Season Five, Attorney Jim Ruane talks about motion practice in Connecticut, and how it fails criminal defendants and defense lawyers and makes the system unfair and biased.
In Connecticut criminal cases, there are two main types of motions that are made - the Motion to Dismiss and the Motion to Suppress. Jim talks more about these motions and what they mean for someone charged with a Connecticut crime in this episode.
This episode also outlines information on different types of stops and seizures, such as searches related to arrests, searches in a car, inventory searches, and more.
To learn more, check out the Ruane Attorneys website.

S5:E3 ”I Wasn’t Read MY Rights” and Why That Usually Doesn’t Matter!

One of the most common questions that Connecticut criminal defense lawyers get is about the need for police to read you your rights. In this very special episode, Attorney Jim Ruane breaks down the Miranda rights and when they are required...hint - it's not often!
Despite what you have seen on TV, Miranda rights and Miranda warnings are not essential in many criminal situations. In this episode, Jim explains general intent crimes and specific intent crimes, as well as what they mean to the police and Connecticut law. These types of crimes are also related to Miranda warnings, as well as if or when they should be used.
You can visit the Ruane Attorneys website to learn more!

S5:E2 Bail and Arraignment in Criminal Cases

In this episode, Connecticut criminal defense lawyer Jim Ruane talks about the bail and arraignment process in Connecticut.
After a person is arrested in Connecticut, whether this happens in Greenwich or Fairfield or New London, bail will be set for that person's release from jail. The person must pay a fee in order to be released from jail while their case is pending. You can pay a bail fee, also called a bail bond, outright, or you can pay a bail bondsman a smaller fee to cover the bond for you.
It is important to make sure that you attend all of your court dates once you are out on bail. If you do not, you will be charged with "Failure to Appear in Court" and this will only worsen your situation. Learn more about bail, arraignment, and bonds in this episode.
For more information, check out our website.