a public defender

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Probably since I started blogging as a Connecticut public defender, I’ve received e-mails from readers asking about particular courts and what the practices there are like. I’ve also received e-mails from new attorneys asking about “essentials” - what must you know about Connecticut law.

So, after nearly four years of blogging, I’ve decided to embark on this ambitious journey. I’m creating a new page on this blog - “Tips” - which will contain links to tips for Connecticut practitioners. Maybe if I get enough tips from all JDs, I’ll create a new subdomain. For now, I’ll try and break them up by GA/JD alphabetically.

So get it started! We need a repository for information such as this. What must you know before setting foot in Bridgeport? Who do you talk to in Hartford for MV cases? What’s the name of that case that deals with admissibility of videotaped statements by a minor victim (Jarzbek)?

So send in your tips to threegenerations at gmail dot com and I’ll have them up as soon as I can!

To start off with, here’s one from me:

Always, always perform an elements analysis. Always. Go to the library in your office (or use Lexis). Pick up volume 13 and flip to the 53s. All our statutes are in there. As Miranda snarkily pointed out, you might also need Volume 7, Title 21a (drug offenses) and  Volume 5, Title 14 (DUI statutes). Turn to the appropriate one and write out, by hand, the elements of the offense.

You can’t practice criminal law without performing an elements analysis. This is basic stuff. Make sure you do it before you embark on the journey of representing a client.

Let’s hear what you have to say!