Frequently Asked Questions
& Legal Insights

Bail is the amount of money set by a judge that a defendant must pay to be released from custody while their case is pending. Bond refers to the instrument used to secure that release — either a cash bond (paying the full amount) or a surety bond through a bail bondsman (typically paying 10% as a non-refundable fee).

In Connecticut, bail is set at arraignment. A judge considers the seriousness of the charge, the defendant's criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight. An attorney who appears at arraignment can argue for a lower bail — and that argument can mean the difference between your loved one coming home or staying in custody for months.

No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during any questioning. Exercise both — politely but firmly. Say: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want an attorney."

Even innocent people get convicted from statements made to police without counsel. Officers are trained interrogators. They do not need to tell you the truth during questioning. Anything you say will be used against you — and statements made in a moment of panic are nearly impossible to walk back later.

Arraignment is your first court appearance, typically within 24–48 hours of arrest. The judge reads the charges, enters an initial plea (usually not guilty), and sets bail. This is one of the most critical stages of any criminal case — bail set too high can mean weeks or months in custody before trial.

Having an attorney at arraignment — not just any public defender picked at random, but your attorney who knows the facts — can make a meaningful difference in bail conditions and the tone set for the entire case.

Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) is Connecticut's most widely used pretrial diversionary program. If granted, the charge is essentially put on hold. You complete a period of probation — typically 12–24 months — and upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed and erased from your record as if it never happened.

AR is available for first-time offenders charged with most misdemeanors and some felonies. Class A felonies, serious sex offenses, and DUI charges are generally excluded. Whether you qualify and whether it's the right strategy depends heavily on the specific charge and your history.

Connecticut's Clean Slate Act (effective January 1, 2023) provides for automatic erasure of certain misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions after a waiting period with no new convictions — 7 years for most misdemeanors and 10 years for certain felonies. More serious convictions require a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Arrests that did not result in conviction may be eligible for erasure immediately or after a shorter waiting period. The process and eligibility rules are technical — a lawyer can quickly tell you where you stand.

A first-offense DUI in Connecticut carries up to 6 months in jail (mandatory minimum of 48 hours or 100 hours of community service), a fine of $500–$1,000, and a 45-day license suspension followed by an interlock ignition device for 1 year.

Second offense: 120 days to 2 years incarceration (mandatory 120-day minimum), $1,000–$4,000 fine, 3-year license suspension. Third offense: Felony — 1–3 years (mandatory 1 year), permanent license revocation. These penalties make early, aggressive legal representation essential from the moment of arrest.

Connecticut's statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death claims, it is 2 years from the date of death. Claims against municipalities or government entities carry additional notice requirements — often as short as 6 months — that can bar your claim entirely if missed.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and missing a deadline means losing your right to recover entirely — regardless of how strong your case is.

The value of a personal injury case depends on: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanency of injury, and liability facts. There is no formula — two people with the same injury can have very different cases depending on the defendant's conduct, available insurance, and the impact on the individual's life.

What I can tell you is that cases handled by an attorney from the beginning — before any statements are given, before medical treatment is complete, before insurance adjusters get involved — consistently resolve for significantly more than cases where people first try to handle it themselves.

No. All personal injury cases at this firm are handled on a pure contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery — no recovery, no fee. Initial consultations are always free.

Almost certainly not — at least not without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to make early, low offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, your future treatment needs, or what your case is actually worth. Early settlements typically release the defendant from all future claims — including medical bills that haven't come in yet.

Once you sign a release, there is no going back. A free consultation costs you nothing and could be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault — but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000.

Insurance companies will try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce or eliminate your claim. Having an attorney investigate and present the evidence properly is essential in any shared-fault situation.

Directly with Attorney Watson. This is a boutique practice intentionally limited in size so every client receives personal attention. Your case will not be handed off to a paralegal or a junior associate. You will have Attorney Watson's direct line and will work with him from the first call through resolution.

For criminal matters — especially arrests, arraignments, or DMV hearings — contact the office immediately at (860) 206-4668. Attorney Watson is available 24/7 for criminal emergencies and can often appear at arraignment the next morning.

For personal injury consultations, appointments are typically available within 1–2 business days. You can also book online via Calendly at any time.

Yes — completely. No charge, no obligation, no pressure. Attorney Watson believes you deserve to understand your legal options before making any decision. For personal injury cases, there is also no fee unless he wins your case.