Criminal Defense Attorneys in Waterbury
Trusted Counsel & Legal Defenders Across Connecticut
While criminal allegations and charges vary significantly across different types of crimes and even between states, each one carries with it serious consequences if a conviction is secured by the prosecution. Fines and imprisonment can completely turn someone’s life upside-down and ruin their livelihood. In many situations, simply the act of being arrested can bring about negative, life-changing consequences. When accused of a crime of any sort, the best option is usually retaining a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C., our Waterbury criminal defense lawyers provide experienced and resourceful representation when clients need it most. Having served communities throughout Connecticut for more than 35 years and being backed by nearly 100 years of total legal experience, we know the local courts and procedures and have an in-depth understanding of the law. We leverage this insight to protect our clients’ rights at each phase of the legal procedures. Our goal remains the same from day one to the final moments in court: protect our clients’ rights as much as we can.
Criminal Defense Cases We Can Handle for You
As someone accused of a serious crime, it can seem like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, especially if investigators and the prosecution have been adamant about labeling you as guilty. By retaining the services of our Waterbury criminal defense attorneys, you can remove some of the stress of the situation and stand up for yourself. No matter the criminal violations of which you have been accused, from infractions to misdemeanors to felonies, we have the legal experience and tenacity needed to make a difference in your case.
Get in touch with our law firm if you have been charged with:
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Domestic violence
Theft crimes
Traffic offenses
Drug possession and other drug crimes
Sex crimes
White collar crimes
And more
Every single criminal defense case is unique, and our Waterbury criminal lawyers acknowledge this truth. We like to start each case by sitting down with our clients and really getting to know them and gaining a full understanding of the situations that led to their arrest. This personal approach to each case better allows us to represent and defend our clients.
Early Intervention for Criminal Accusations
You might be able to prevent the tarnishing of your good name by reacting immediately to any mention of a pending criminal investigation. Our legal team at Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C.
can be retained to act as legal counsel even before you have been charged or formally accused of a crime. Using advanced pre-file intervention techniques, such as conducting our own investigations of the alleged crime, we might be able to negotiate with law enforcement and prosecutors to dismiss the potential charges before your name is ever defamed.
Your Rights as Someone Accused of a Crime in Connecticut
The criminal justice system in America is praised around the world for its thoroughness and its ability to uphold the rights of the criminally accused, even when the alleged crimes are quite severe or controversial. However, it is still up to the individual defendant to understand and utilize his or her own rights for maximum effect. Otherwise, unfortunate oversights could be made while working on a defense case.
Three of your most important rights as someone who has been accused of a crime in Connecticut are:
Presumption of innocence: The right to be treated innocent until proven guilty is the foundation of our criminal justice system. When charges are levied against you, you have the right and opportunity to defend yourself, state your side of the story, and directly challenge the government’s version of the facts. It is their burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Right to remain silent: Your Fifth Amendment right is an essential tool for protecting yourself when stopped, investigated, or being questioned by law enforcement. Remember, you have the right to decline questioning or conversations with police and you should in most situations. Talking to law enforcement will not likely help your case, and could potentially provide incriminating evidence that can be used to connect you to a crime. Let an attorney communicate with law enforcement on your behalf when in doubt.
Right to legal representation: You have the right to work with an attorney to help defend yourself against the allegations you face. Although you may obtain a Public Defender, PD offices are notoriously overburdened, underfunded, and commonly staffed by young and inexperienced lawyers. Our Waterbury criminal defense attorneys understand the important role we take when clients place their trust in our team, and we leverage our time, resources, and extensive experience to conduct thorough investigations into the unique facts of an arrest and create effective, customized defense strategies. This allows us to pinpoint critical errors made by law enforcement or holes in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged for a positive outcome.
Typical Penalties for a Criminal Conviction
The criminal penalties associated with a conviction in Connecticut will vary from one case to the next. Each crime is defined by specific statutes, which also outline specific ways the defendant can be penalized within the criminal justice system if a conviction is granted. Despite all the differences among charges, there are a handful of common penalties in Connecticut that every resident within the state should know.
If you are convicted of a crime in Connecticut, you could be penalized with:
High fines, ranging well into the thousands of dollars for felonies.
Jail time or imprisonment, which could last years for serious crimes
Registration to a sex offender list for most sex crimes
Community service or probation for less serious crimes
When a not guilty verdict, case dismissal, or dropped charges cannot be achieved due to overwhelming circumstantial evidence against our clients, we still fight tooth-and-nail to have the sentencing minimized. In ideal situations, we will be able to negotiate for a sentence that does not include any jail time and for a significant reduction of fines and fees.
Use a Free & Confidential Consultation to Discuss Your Case
Time is a crucial factor in criminal cases, which is why our legal team is readily available to take your call, review the individual facts of your case, and discuss how we can proactively work in your defense. When you reach out to our firm after an arrest or being made aware of an investigation, we will be ready to handle all aspects of your case, provide the counsel and support needed during difficult times, and fight to protect you from the heavy consequences associated with a criminal conviction.
With so much on the line, working with a proven lawyer can make the difference. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, you can be confident about working with our Waterbury criminal defense attorneys.
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For more information or to get a free case evaluation, call us (203) 729-4555 or complete the contact form.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m arrested or charged with a crime?
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions without a lawyer present. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
What types of criminal cases does your firm handle?
Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C. handles a wide range of criminal cases in Connecticut, including:
- DUIs and traffic offenses
- Drug charges
- Assault and domestic violence
- Theft and property crimes
- Probation violations
- Juvenile offenses
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
- A misdemeanor is a less serious offense, typically punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.
- A felony is a more serious crime that can carry more than one year in prison, larger fines, and long-term consequences such as loss of voting rights or firearm ownership.
Can criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Depending on the facts, a defense attorney may be able to:
- Get charges dismissed due to lack of evidence or procedural errors
- Negotiate a plea bargain for lesser charges
- Fight for an acquittal at trial
Every case is unique, and early legal intervention can significantly affect the outcome.
Do I really need a criminal defense attorney?
Absolutely. Criminal convictions can have serious, lasting consequences—including jail time, fines, job loss, and a permanent record. A skilled defense attorney will protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work to secure the best possible outcome.
What Sets Us Apart
Experienced. Trusted. Ready To Fight For You.
Trusted Since 1978
With decades of experience, our attorneys know how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
Free Case Consultations
Speak with us at no cost. We’ll review your case and outline a plan tailored to meet your goals.
Top-Rated Attorneys
We are committed to delivering exceptional legal results backed by professionalism, preparation, and care.
Multilingual Support
We serve clients in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring clear, effective communication.
