Connecticut Legal Issues Blog

You have approximately 30 seconds to pass a field sobriety test

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Sunday, September 22, 2019.

After a busy work week, you might be among many other Connecticut residents who love to get a little rest and relaxation. Perhaps you and your spouse enjoy a weekly date night. If you're still single, maybe you like getting together with friends for a burger and a few drinks. Socializing is an important part of life. However, numerous issues can make a fun and festive night out go sour. For instance, if a police officer pulls you over, the evening takes an immediate nosedive.

Getting a traffic ticket or warning at some point in your driving career is common. If the officer asks you to get out of your vehicle, the matter is far more serious. In fact, it likely means he or she suspects you of impaired driving. If you take a field sobriety test, you risk facing arrest and possible drunk driving charges. Many people think it's better to take the test than refuse. The decision is yours. Either way, it's critical that you know your rights and how to protect them.

Common misconceptions associated with a Connecticut divorce

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC posted in Family Law on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

There is no doubt that the overall status of individual relationships varies among couples in Connecticut. While there are many couples who remain happy and committed in their relationship, there are others who may be unhappy. Unfortunately, certain misconceptions about divorce may lead some people to stay in a relationship that is dysfunctional instead of seeking a happier, healthier life.

One concern of many people in an unhappy marriage is how money will be divided. Some people erroneously believe that because assets -- such as bank accounts -- were kept separate that they are immune to division. However, any income during the marriage is subject to a division. A court can determine how assets should be equitably distributed.

Using a parenting plan to frame your co-parenting relationship

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Monday, September 9, 2019.

When a marriage ends, the personal relationship between spouses often feels strained, at least in the short term. For those who have children, finding a way around the demise of the marital relationship can present a challenge.

If you are like many other divorcing parents here in Connecticut, you want to find a way to work together in order to continue to raise your children. You want to make it clear to them that they remain a priority in your lives and are more important than your feelings about each other.

What pedestrians can do to avoid becoming a statistic

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Saturday, August 24, 2019.

According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone dies in a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident every 88 minutes or so, or just shy of every hour and a half. Most of these incidents tend to occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

At some point during your day, you will more than likely be a pedestrian. You may walk from your car into a building and out again. Even parking lots pose dangers to you. Anywhere motorized vehicles and you are in the same place, you are vulnerable. If struck, your injuries could prove severe, since you do not have the protections of those inside the vehicle. In a battle with a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds, you won't win.

Connecticut Senate campaign leads to larceny allegation

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC posted in Criminal Defense on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Many people in Connecticut and across the country often feel the need to take action to bring about change in support of their political ideologies. While there are a variety of different ways to do this -- including running for office -- some people choose to support a candidate who reflects their personal beliefs by volunteering to help with his or her campaign. Unfortunately, a man now faces a larceny charge after he spent time serving as campaign treasurer for a failed 2014 campaign.

Following the election, the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) randomly selected the campaign for an audit. However, the SEEC claims that the now 45-year-old man refused to cooperate with the audit, failing to provide requested documentation. The candidate running for office reportedly did cooperate but was not significantly involved with the campaign's finances.

Did your good time lead to charges for disturbing the peace?

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Friday, July 26, 2019.

When you go out with your friends, you want to have a good time. You know that you and others can get loud now and then, but you never set out to intentionally bother other people who may simply be trying to enjoy their nights out as well. Of course, your good time could become bothersome to others, and if the situation gets out of hand, it is possible that someone could call law enforcement.

You may think it over the top for someone to call the police for a bit of noise, but disturbing the peace is a crime. Additionally, some instances may go beyond a bit of noise. Unfortunately for you, this could mean that you wind up facing criminal charges even though you only wanted to have a good time.

Couple spends weeks in hospital after dog attack

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC posted in Personal Injury on Monday, July 22, 2019.

There is no doubt that the vast majority of pet owners in Connecticut love their animals. They often go out of their way to ensure that their pets lead happy, healthy lives. However, pet owners also have a responsibility to protect others from the actions of their pets. In fact, a dog owner in another state now faces a felony charge after a dog attack reportedly sent a husband and wife to the hospital for weeks.

The incident happened at approximately 8:40 a.m. on a day in early June. According to reports, the man and woman were walking in a park, an activity that was reportedly usual for them. However, reports indicate that, on this day, they were attacked by three dogs while doing so.

Common types of white-collar crime charges

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

People often misunderstand the nature of white-collar criminal charges. Despite the fact that financial crimes may seem less serious than other types of crimes, such as murder or aggravated assault, the penalties can be steep. There are several different types of white-collar crimes, and all of them come with the possibility of significant time behind bars and other consequences.

In most cases, white-collar crimes are money-related crimes, typically involving deception or theft of assets or information. These are usually complex cases, as many types of financial crimes involve the internet, and it can take months to fully investigate these cases. If you are facing allegations of any type of white-collar criminal activity, you will want to take immediate action and start working on your defense strategy.

Feeling numerous emotions during divorce is normal

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

The ending of a marriage is a major turning point in life. You may feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions that will take place in the near future, and you likely also have numerous other feelings about the situation overall. Any type of significant change can cause upheaval in your life, and you may not know whether to feel anxious or excited about what the future may hold.

Even if you do feel somewhat relieved by your pending divorce, you may also find yourself experiencing a great deal of stress. Fortunately, you can take the time to find the best ways for you to effectively cope with the divorce.

Multiple criminal charges filed in Connecticut credit card case

On behalf of Mariani Reck Lane LLC posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

The prospect of going through the criminal justice system is often a daunting one, especially for those who are facing multiple charges and may have little legal training. Unfortunately, the decisions that defendants make can ultimately have a significant impact on the overall outcome of their case. In fact, two men who are facing several criminal charges in Connecticut may now be considering their options.

The men, ages 28 and 33, were arrested as a result of claims made to police in Dec. 2018. Though the two men share the same surname and live at the same address, it is unclear if they are related. Reports indicate that a woman -- who is not identified in media reports -- complained to police that someone was using her credit card without her permission.