Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP, is proud to welcome our newest Partner, Cody N. Guarnieri, Esq. Cody has been a trial attorney at the firm since 2012, representing individuals accused of crimes,defending their professional license against the State or who have been injured by the conduct of someone else.
The Hard Target: Sex Offender Registration
The Sex Offender Registration laws are a hard target for reformers seeking to improve the criminal justice system in Connecticut. Simply put, it is a political loser to be seen as advocating on behalf of those convicted of sexual offenses, or certain offenses against minors. Correspondingly, it is easy to legislate long sentences and significant collateral consequences of conviction for these offenses.
Connecticut Estate & Gift Tax Law Update
In the final days of October, 2017, Connecticut passed legislation significantly impacting upon the Connecticut estate and gift tax exemption. Connecticut has had a flat estate and gift tax exemption of $2,000,000.00 for a number of years, which created a disparity with the Federal estate and gift tax exemption (currently $5,490,000.00 in 2017, but indexed for inflation). The amount exceeding the Connecticut exemption was subject to a tax of up to 12%.
Attorney Cody N. Guarnieri to present at a seminar on Workers Compensation from A to Z in Connecticut
On December 5th and 6th Attorney Cody N. Guarnieri will be among a distinguished panel of workers' compensation attorneys, medical professionals and a former workers' compensation commissioner to present on legal and medical/legal topics in the workers' compensation field. Attorney Guarnieri, who has served as the Chief Ethics Officer of Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP, since 2015, will present on the ethical considerations and implications of workers' compensation practice. His presentation will include an overview of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, attorney fee structures, contact with different players in the workers' compensation system and attorney liability. For more information about this presentation or to register, click here.
Attorney Bruce Newman is interviewed by Shannon Miller on NBC Connecticut news regarding the rising tide of sexual harassment claims and lawsuits
Click here for the video from NBC Connecticut.
Attorney Bruce Newman to present at a seminar on Wrongful Death Litigation in Connecticut.
Attorney Bruce Newman, who has recovered millions of dollars in wrongful death cases and has tried a wide variety of wrongful death cases to verdict, including those in the field of negligence, medical malpractice, and product liability, will be co-presenting a seminar on Wrongful Death Litigation in East Hartford on December 15, 2017. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Attorney Newman as well as Anthony Bonadies and Ryan McKeen. Click here to register.
Criminal Sentences in Connecticut
For a person who is involved in any capacity with the criminal justice system in Connecticut, it can be a confusing and disorienting experience. The way that the defendants, lawyers and prosecutors interact and discuss cases may seem like some kind of foreign language or secret code. However, there are discernible legal principles and procedures at work in these courthouses.
What does it mean to be a victim of sexual harassment at work?
It seems every day a different celebrity, judge, politician, business mogul or someone else in the public eye is confronted with allegations of sexual harassment or assault. Just this week saw allegations made public against Michigan Senator and former funnyman Al Franken, as well as multi-generational action hero actor Sylvester Stallone. They join the growing list Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Ben Affleck, George H. W. Bush, and many others.
Brown, Paindiris & Scott among the 2017-2018 "10 Best Law Firms" in Connecticut for its Criminal Defense Practice.
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP Has Been Nominated and Accepted as a 2017 AIOCLA'S 10 Best Law Firm in Connecticut For Client Satisfaction.
What is sexual harassment?
Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Ben Affleck, Dustin Hoffman, who's next? Is this only happening on movie sets? While Hollywood reels from allegations that numerous stars have engaged in sexual harassment, the question arises, what is sexual harassment?
Social Media and Divorce
Tri-Parenting: A New Trend in Family Law
If you thought family law was complicated, wait until you hear about a new trend that has swept across 12 states and DC: tri-parenting.
Recreational Marijuana Debate in Connecticut
As the school year approaches and townships lean on legislators to address the budget crisis, it is likely that all possible sources of revenue will be up for debate, including the implementation of a recreational marijuana program. While it is difficult to predict how Connecticut would handle a transition from a medical to a recreational program, we can certainly learn a few things by analyzing the debate on the most recent proposed legislation on the matter.
Labor Day Weekend Driving Stats & Safety Tips
Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest times for traffic fatalities. The National Safety Council estimates 405 fatalities this Labor Day weekend.
Riding Solo: Sologamy, The Newest New Age Trend
In 2017, we've heard of people being married to their smartphone and career. However, none of these "marriages" have been as perplexing as sologamy, or, "self-marriage", a new-age practice that's garnering attention world-wide.
Attorney to Lead Medical Marijuana Practice Group of Local Firm
Brown Paindiris & Scott, with offices in Glastonbury and Hartford, is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney April Arrasate as Of Counsel to the firm.
Attorney Kathryn Bissonnette Joins Brown Paindiris & Scott
Attorney Kathryn Bissonnette has recently joined the law firm of Brown Paindiris & Scott, at their Glastonbury office LLP. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law and Sacred Heart University, Summa Cum Laude. She practices primarily in the area of Family Law.
From the Electoral College to Marijuana Reform: State's Rights Alive and Well in 2017
In the post-election stupor a debate has been re-kindled over the necessity of the Electoral College. Nevertheless, the same guiding principle that created this system in our democracy, State's Rights, also empowered voters in California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine to legalize the use of marijuana. How can it be that a majority of the American population voted for Hillary Clinton, by nearly 2 million votes, yet in the state by state count Donald Trump took over the White House? How can it be that marijuana, a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act and in the same category as heroin, is now legal for recreational use for more than 1 in 5 Americans?
"Best Law Firm" Award Goes to Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP
On Thursday, January 26, 2017 Brown, Paindiris and Scott took home the hardware for Best Law Firm as part of Hartford Business Journal's annual picks of the Best of the Best. It was a fun, energetic, celebratory night as The Hartford Business Journal along with a number of sponsors hosted its Best of Business night at the Marquee. Seventy local businesses were saluted. A big "thank you" goes out to The Journal, sponsors of the event, and of course the entire Greater Hartford Business Community from all of us at Brown, Paindiris & Scott. We are honored to have received this recognition and are thrilled to continue to serve the region and the state in our 40th year!
The Battle of Buckland Hills
The Christmas spirit is gone; long gone indeed. Especially from the modern day temples of the golden calf: shopping centers. My friends over at the Crime and Consequences Blog shared an ABC News story that fights broke out in at least nine states on Monday, including in Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and the Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester, Connecticut.
Press Release: Attorney Guarnieri Honored as Connecticut "New Leader in the Law" by the Connecticut Law Tribune
HARTFORD, Connecticut (December 6, 2016) - Attorney Cody N. Guarnieri, an associate with the law firm of Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP, was selected and awarded by the Connecticut Law Tribune as one of the "New Leaders in the Law" for 2016, which ceremony took place in November. Attorney Guarnieri was one of thirty-seven attorney selected after a thorough review of attorneys nominated throughout the state. Of the selectees, Attorney Guarnieri is the only attorney that practices in both criminal defense and professional license defense. Applicants were judged in four categories: development of the law; advocacy/community contributions; service to the bar; and peer/public recognition.
Three Tips on Evidence for hearings before the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services
Despite what you've seen in courtroom dramas on television, hearings at administrative agencies in Connecticut are often neither dramatic nor formal. That is not to say that hearings at DDS are informal, but merely that the strict adherence to court rules of procedure and evidence do not apply. What does this mean from a strategic perspective? Here are three considerations that are important in adjusting your DDS hearing strategy in relation to the "relaxed" rules of procedure in DDS hearings:
Video Extra: What should you do if the police are looking for you in Connecticut?
Enjoy this video that features me (along with the many others covering useful topics in the law that are available at the Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP Video Center).
The Accelerated Rehabilitation Program: What You Need to Know in One Page or Less
What is "Accelerated Rehabilitation"?
The Registry: The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the Connecticut state agency responsible for the planning, developing and administering services throughout the State of Connecticut for persons with intellectual disabilities. DDS provides these services through a wide network of private provider agencies which are under contract with DDS. These agencies may provide services which including residential placement, home supports, employment programs and clinical services.
Licensing for Military Families in Connecticut
In 2011 First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden teamed up on the "Joining Forces" task force, "a nationwide initiative calling all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families and support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities." An initiative of Joining Forces that has been in the news throughout the week has to do with professional (and presumably trade) licensing and its effect on military families. As we would expect the families of our men and women serving in the armed forces to travel with them to whatever base they are stationed throughout the country, as a society we can reasonably anticipate this can lead unemployment or underemployment issues as professional and trade licenses and certifications are address with the new state of residence.
Free Tip on Paying for Your License Defense Lawyer
Professionals, especially nurses, doctors, and many tradesmen and women, carry malpractice insurance, or professional liability insurance, as a matter of course. Oftentimes your employer will require it. After all, malpractice insurance is a necessity to make sure that you are covered in case there are allegations of some act or omission against you in the future. The same way that you would protect your home or car from loss or damage, you also must obtain insurance to protect your financial security and professional reputation from damage as well.
