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The Next 48 Hours Will Define What Happens Next
You just got arrested. Or someone you love did. Your mind is racing — about your job, your family, your future. You’re asking yourself whether this mistake will follow you forever, and whether you can actually afford to fight back.
After more than 24 years defending people across Connecticut, we can tell you this with certainty: what you do right now matters more than anything that happens later in court.
Talking to the police without a lawyer. Waiting too long to hire someone. Assuming a public defender will have the time to actually focus on your case. These are the choices that turn something manageable into something life-changing — and not in a good way.
Our attorneys are at Norwich Superior Court every week. We know the prosecutors. We know the procedures. We know what it actually takes to get the best possible result for people facing charges in New London County.
You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to figure it out right now. But you do need to make one call.
When the world is on your back, we will be by your side.
Criminal Defense for Non-Criminals®, only at Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Hear what clients are saying about us...
We take the responsibility of representing our clients very seriously. There is no greater compliment than receiving a review from a satisfied client.
Connecticut Norwich Criminal Defense Specialist FAQs
No, and this is a common misconception. What matters is that your attorney knows Norwich Superior Court — the prosecutors, the procedures, and how cases move through that courthouse. Our attorneys appear at Norwich regularly and handle cases across New London County every week. You get the resources of a statewide firm with the local knowledge that actually makes a difference. But we are Local! with Offices in Norwich, we are your local attorney with statewide resources.
We charge one flat fee for your representation — no hourly billing, no surprise invoices, and no watching the clock every time you call us with a question. Before you sign anything, you'll know exactly what your case will cost.
We also understand that an arrest often comes at the worst possible time financially. That's why we offer payment plans that let you get started without having to come up with the full amount upfront. Most people are surprised by how accessible quality representation can be when you're not paying by the hour.
The worst thing you can do is make decisions about your case based on cost before you even know what your options are. The first call is free, there's no obligation, and we'll give you a straight answer about fees before you commit to anything.
Yes — and this is exactly when having the right attorney matters most. An arrest is not a conviction. Even when the facts aren't on your side, there are often options: diversion programs that can result in dismissed charges, negotiated agreements that protect your record and your job, or constitutional issues with how evidence was gathered. You deserve to know all of your options before you make any decisions. That's what the first call is for.
Why Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys
We Know Norwich Superior Court. Our attorneys appear at Norwich regularly. We know how cases move through New London County, who the players are, and how to use that knowledge to your advantage from day one.
Over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews from Real Clients. We don’t ask you to take our word for it. Read what our clients say about what it felt like to go through this with us by their side.
A Full Team Behind You. When you hire Ruane, you get more than one attorney. You get a statewide firm with the resources, staff, and systems to stay on top of your case — returning calls, tracking deadlines, and preparing your defense with serious attention.
One Flat Fee. No Surprises. We charge one flat fee for your representation. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you sign anything. No hourly billing. No mystery invoices.
Available Right Now. Day or night, weekday or weekend, we answer. When you’re staring at a charge sheet at midnight, you shouldn’t have to wait until Monday morning.
What Happens at Norwich Superior Court
Norwich Superior Court handles criminal cases for New London County, including misdemeanors, felonies, DUI charges, and more. It serves towns across the region including the towns of Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and, Voluntown.
Cases move fast in Connecticut. The process often begins before most people even understand what they’re facing. Here’s what typically happens:
Your arraignment will likely be your first court appearance. If you don’t have an attorney, you’ll walk in alone — and that first impression with the prosecutor matters. Having experienced legal counsel at your side from the start signals that you’re taking this seriously and that you’re represented by someone who knows the system.
From there, your attorney reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the state’s case, explores diversion programs you may qualify for, and prepares a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
There is no one-size-fits-all defense. The approach for a first-time DUI looks nothing like the approach for a drug charge or a domestic violence allegation. That’s why you need someone who asks the right questions and builds a case around your facts — not a generic script.
Your Options
Charges Dismissed or Reduced. Not every arrest results in a conviction. We look at every angle — how the evidence was collected, whether your rights were respected, whether the stop or search was legal. If there’s a problem with how the state built its case, we find it.
Pretrial Diversion Programs. Connecticut offers programs like Accelerated Rehabilitation that can result in your charges being dropped entirely if you complete program requirements. Many first-time offenders qualify. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand and whether this is worth pursuing.
Negotiated Plea Agreements. Sometimes the best outcome is a reduced charge that protects your record, your job, and your future. We negotiate hard, and we know when to push and when to settle.
Trial. If taking your case to a jury is the right move, we try cases. We are trial lawyers, and we will not pressure you to accept a deal that isn’t in your best interest.
What To Do Right Now
Step 1: Call us at 860-865-0252. It’s free, it’s confidential, and there’s no obligation.
Step 2: Tell us what happened. We’ll ask a few questions and give you an honest assessment of your situation.
Step 3: If we’re the right fit, we’ll get to work — immediately.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. The sooner you call, the more we can do.
