FAQs

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Connecticut?

Attorney Shouse prides herself on affordable representation and operates on a flat-fee basis. This means that you are quoted a flat fee for representation on your criminal case, rather than getting charged by the hour. The flat fee depends on the nature of the charges you are facing and the complexity of the case. Attorney Shouse offers free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and the cost of representation.

When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

Immediately after you are contacted by police or law enforcement, get issued a traffic ticket or summons, or are arrested. Early representation and intervention in your case can help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.

What should I do if I’m arrested in Connecticut?

If you’re arrested in Connecticut, you should remain calm, avoid making any statements to police, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. A criminal defense lawyer can help walk you through the next steps, discuss the details of your case with you, and represent you by by building a defense for you and speaking on your behalf in court. Contact Attorney Shouse today for a free, confidential consultation.

Do I have to talk to police if I’m being questioned in Connecticut?

No. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney before answering any questions. You can politely decline to answer questions and state that you would like to speak with an attorney first. Contact Attorney Shouse if you believe you are being investigated and the police want to question you.

Can the police arrest me without a warrant in Connecticut?

Yes, the police can make two types of arrests: an immediate arrest, typically on scene or immediately after the commission of a suspected crime, or after a judge signs an arrest warrant. If the police have probable cause to believe you committed a crime, especially seen in domestic violence cases and DUI cases, they can arrest you immediately, without a warrant. If the police receive information about a crime and need to investigate it further or it happened in the past, they generally will need to write out the evidence for a judge to review, and cannot arrest you until a judge signs an arrest warrant.

What happens at my first court appearance in Connecticut

A first court appearance is called an arraignment. At the arraignment, you will appear in front of a judge, who will read you your charges, set bond conditions, and possibly issue a protective order, if applicable. First court appearances are typically a few weeks after an arrest or the issuance of a summons or the next business day after a domestic violence arrest. If you are arrested, and do not post the set bond to get released, you will be brought into court for your arraignment on the next business day.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge in Connecticut?

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is punishable by up to one year in jail, while a felony carries potential jail time of more than a year, if convicted.

What is the difference between being charged with a crime and being convicted of a crime in Connecticut?

Being charged with a crime simply means that the police had probable cause to arrest you for a crime or a judge believed enough probable cause existed to sign an arrest warrant. If you are charged with a crime, you are innocent until proven guilty. Being charged with a crime means you will have the opportunity to be heard in court. On the other hand, being convicted or a crime means you have gone to court and have either been found guilty after a trial or have admitted to being guilty and pled guilty to one or more of your charges. Once convicted of a crime, it will appear on your permanent criminal record.

How do police decide who to arrest in a domestic violence call in Connecticut?

Connecticut has a mandatory arrest policy for family violence incidents. Police must arrest the person they determine to be the dominant aggressor, based on factors like injuries, threats, prior history, and statements made. In some cases, police make dual arrests, arresting more than one person on a domestic violence call.

Can the victim drop domestic violence charges in Connecticut?

No. In Connecticut, the prosecutor, not the victim, decides whether to continue prosecuting a case or dismiss it. An arrest can still occur even if the victim does not want to press charges. Further, the prosecution can still continue to prosecute a case, even if the victim wants it dropped.

What is a protective order and how long does it last?

A protective order is issued by the court in domestic violence cases to limit or prevent contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. The protective order can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and it will last until the case is resolved, or longer, depending on the disposition of the case. Contact Attorney Shouse for a free, confidential consultation if you have further questions about your protective order.

What happens if I violate the protective order against me in Connecticut?

Violating a protective order in Connecticut is a separate criminal offense in Connecticut. This offense can not only complicate your underlying domestic violence case, but can result in a separate case with the felony charge of violating the protective order. This charge can lead to the jail time and additional penalties, if convicted. Everyone is handed a physical copy of the protective order issued against them in court. If you are unsure what you are or are not allowed to do under the limitations of your protective order, contact Attorney Shouse for a free, confidential consultation today.

Can domestic violence charges by dismissed in Connecticut?

Possibly, but this depends on several factors, including the nature of the charges, the defendant’s history, and more. One option for first-time offenders is the Family Violence Education Program, which is available in certain situations and can result in a full dismissal of the case upon successful completion. For more information on what your options are when facing domestic violence charges in Connecticut, contact Attorney Shouse today.