Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog

Social Media Posts and Connecticut Criminal Cases: What You Need to Know

Published on: October 2, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Why Social Media Can Ruin Your Case Before It Even Begins

One of the first things police and prosecutors look at after an arrest is your social media. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and even text screenshots now appear in nearly every Connecticut criminal case.

Many of my clients never imagined that a simple post, photo, or comment could be used against them as evidence. In reality, I’ve seen prosecutors use posts made in frustration, jokes taken out of context, or old photos to convince judges and juries that someone is guilty or dangerous.

The Quiet Panic: How an Arrest Can Shatter a Professional’s Career Before the Case Even Begins

Published on: October 1, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

The Fear Beyond the Courtroom

Getting arrested is always terrifying, but for professionals — such as doctors, teachers, lawyers, financial advisors, and executives — the consequences can feel catastrophic before the case even reaches a courtroom.

I’ve represented countless people over the years who came to me not only worried about fines or jail, but with a more profound fear:

Caught With a Fake ID in Connecticut: What Happens Next?

Published on: September 30, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

A Split-Second Choice With Lasting Consequences

In Stamford, Norwalk, and across Connecticut, young people often feel pressure to fit in with friends, get into clubs, or buy alcohol before 21. It might seem harmless to flash a fake ID at the bar or liquor store, but the reality is this: using or even possessing a fake ID can lead to criminal charges that follow you long after the party ends.

I meet clients all the time—college students, interns, and young professionals—who are terrified after being stopped with a fake ID. They worry about their future, their jobs, and their parents finding out. If this happened to you, please understand: you are not alone, and with the right defense, one mistake does not have to define your life.

What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Connecticut?

Published on: September 30, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

A Tough Split-Second Decision

Getting pulled over for DUI in Connecticut is stressful enough. Blue lights flash in your mirror, your heart races, and the officer asks you to blow into the breathalyzer. Many of my clients tell me later:

“If I don’t blow, they don’t have proof, right?”

Can Losing Your Cool Behind the Wheel Get You Arrested? Understanding Connecticut Road Rage Laws

Published on: September 29, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

When Driving Turns Dangerous

We’ve all been there. Someone cuts you off in traffic, rides your bumper, or refuses to let you merge. Your blood pressure rises, your grip on the wheel tightens, and you feel the urge to respond. In that moment, a normal driver can quickly turn into an “angry driver.” But in Connecticut, letting your temper get the best of you on the road can lead to serious criminal charges, not just a traffic ticket.

Clients often ask me: “Can I really be arrested just for losing my temper while driving?” The answer is yes. Depending on your behavior, what starts as frustration can spiral into charges for reckless driving, assault, breach of peace, or even risk of injury to a child if minors are in the car. Connecticut law takes road rage seriously, and police officers are trained to treat these incidents as public safety threats.

Shoplifting Charges in Connecticut: What You Need to Know

Published on: September 28, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Shoplifting Is One of the Most Common Arrests

Shoplifting is one of the most common arrests in Connecticut — and one of the most misunderstood. Every week, I hear from good people across the state who find themselves accused of taking something from a store.

Many are students under stress, professionals who made a split-second mistake, or parents distracted in a hectic moment. One mistake doesn’t define you, but the way you handle the case can shape your future.

Why Good People Get Arrested in Connecticut

Published on: September 25, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Many good people make silly mistakes

One of the most common things I hear from new clients is, “I never thought I’d be in this position.”

Good, hardworking people with no criminal record often find themselves facing charges in Connecticut. They are professionals, parents, college students, immigrants, and retirees. Many have never had a single encounter with the law before. And then, one night, one mistake, one misunderstanding, or one bad decision can suddenly change everything.

Arrested at the Stamford Train Station? Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on: September 25, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

The Stamford Transportation Center is one of the busiest train stations in New England. Thousands of commuters pass through daily, heading to New York City or up the New Haven Line. With heavy traffic comes a strong law-enforcement presence — and sometimes minor incidents or misunderstandings at the station can lead to an arrest.

When a Commute Turns into an Arrest

If you or someone you know was arrested at Stamford Transportation Center, you’re not alone. These cases are common and often resolvable with the proper defense. Below is what typically happens during a station arrest, the charges you might face, and how to protect your record.

What Happens If You’re Accused of Harassing Someone by Text in Connecticut?

Published on: September 22, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Accused of Harassment Over Text Messages? Here’s what it means.

Most people accused of harassment by text aren’t “criminals.” They’re regular people caught in an emotional moment — after a breakup, during a stressful custody dispute, or on a night when anxiety boiled over. I tell clients this all the time: you are not alone, and this one incident does not define you. There are defenses, and there are ways to protect your record.

The Law in Plain English

Why Good People Sometimes Shoplift: The Psychology, Stress, and Legal Fallout in Connecticut

Published on: September 21, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Understanding the Human Side of Shoplifting

When most people think of shoplifting, they imagine hardened criminals or people in desperate financial straits. But after more than 30 years defending clients in Connecticut, I can tell you that’s rarely the case.

The truth? A surprising number of shoplifting arrests involve people who could easily afford the item they’re accused of taking. Professionals, parents, students, retirees — the “ordinary” people who never thought they’d see themselves in handcuffs.