Basic Connecticut Criminal Law Information
Civil law involves private law suits between two or more private individuals, businesses or other legal entities. Criminal law involves a private individual and the state of Connecticut or the United States federal government. In criminal law, criminal charges are filed by the state of Connecticut or by the federal government through a prosecutor. Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals who are being prosecuted by the state of Connecticut or the federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. What constitutes a crime is defined in the Connecticut Penal Code and by federal statutes. Statutes are rules or laws that define what type of conduct is illegal. Crimes are generally classified as "misdemeanors" (less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft, or possession of a small amount of marijuana) or "felonies" (more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder). Connecticut criminal law attorney Diane Polan has successfully negotiated and litigated both misdemeanor and felony crimes.
Another important distinction between civil law and criminal law is the standard of proof. In order to prevail in a civil case, the plaintiff must demonstrate by 51% that the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff's injuries. In criminal law, the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with the crime actually committed the crime. This standard is much higher than the civil standard.
Drunk Driving criminal defense lawyer Diane Polan is experienced in defending New Haven, Connecticut and surrounding area clients against both state and federal criminal charges.
If you or someone you know in New Haven or elsewhere in Connecticut has been arrested or charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI or needs the assistance of an experienced Drunk Driving criminal defense lawyer, then contact the Law Offices of Diane Polan, LLC to speak to an experienced Connecticut criminal law attorney toll free at 866-717-5485 or via the contact form in the right column.
