Connecticut District Attorneys

District attorneys represent the state in criminal matters. They analyze evidence and file criminal charges within their judicial districts. They handle criminal cases ranging from DUI and DWI to misdemeanor and felony offenses. In some instances, they convene a grand jury to determine if the evidence is strong enough to bring charges. Each district has one or more counties.

While many states label this person as a "district attorney," in Connecticut, they are called a "state's attorney."

Contacting the State's Attorney

If you're facing criminal charges, you might be considering reaching out to the prosecutor's office to discuss the details of your case or negotiate a plea deal. Before doing so, you should seek legal advice from a criminal defense attorney.

In most cases, it's better to have your legal counsel communicate with the prosecutor on your behalf. A skilled criminal defense lawyer has the training and experience to present your legal problems in the best light.

Moreover, a defense attorney will craft a solid defense strategy by analyzing the evidence against you and gathering other information if necessary.

Public Defender

If you need an attorney in a criminal case and can't afford one, the court might appoint a public defender to provide free legal help. There are income eligibility requirements. If the public defender's office has a conflict with the case, you will get a referral for free or low-cost representation to a private practice attorney.

People are sometimes skeptical about whether a public defender can help. But public defenders are attorneys. Like any other lawyer, they are licensed by the state of Connecticut. They must be members in good standing of the Connecticut Bar Association.

A law school law clinic might be helpful. The University of Connecticut School of Law operates several clinics, including a criminal law clinic. The law students are supervised by full‐time professors who are also experienced lawyers.

If it's a civil and not a criminal law matter, and you can't afford an attorney, you might want to contact one of the legal clinics that help low-income Connecticut residents.

Connecticut Legal Services (CLS) provides Connecticut residents with legal advocacy for matters including:

• Housing (including eviction)
• Family law (including child support, visitation, and domestic violence)
• Lack of medical care
• Public benefits
• Employment

New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. (NHLAA) and Greater Hartford Legal Aid also provide legal assistance to those with low incomes and seniors regardless of income. Their practice areas are similar to CLS's. NHLAA also says that if they are not able to help you, they'll refer you to an attorney or organization that can answer your legal questions and provide assistance.

To apply for these legal services, you should contact Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut. The legal aid program:

• Screens applicants for financial eligibility
• Gathers basic information about the applicant's legal issue
• Provides advice
• Makes referrals to attorneys and legal services organizations

Connecticut Attorney General's Office

The Connecticut Attorney General (A.G.) is the state's chief legal officer. The A.G. acts as Connecticut's primary lawyer, defending its interests and its residents' well-being. An AG's job includes:

• Representing the state in legal matters
• Protecting consumers from fraud and unfair practices
• Advising state agencies on legal issues
• Enforcing state laws
• Advocating for public interests and policies

Directory of Connecticut State's Attorneys

There are 13 Connecticut district attorneys (referred to as "state's attorneys") comprising 23 geographical areas. For instance, Geographical Area No. 5 includes the cities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton; Geographical Area No. 22 includes Milford and West Haven. Together, Geographical Areas No. 5 and No. 22 form the Ansonia/Milford judicial district.

The following directory (organized by district) provides links to more details and contact information for Connecticut's state's attorneys.

Note: Although we strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.

Don't Call the Connecticut State's Attorney Without Getting Legal Representation

If you've been charged with a crime, you could be facing the loss of your professional license, heavy fines, or even a prison sentence. While you may be tempted to contact the prosecutor to work out a plea deal, these matters are best managed by a legal professional. Get started today and contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney near you.