Criminaldefensein Norwalk.
Discuss your case with James A. Saraceni, a Connecticut attorney since 1997 and, for 27 years before that, a Norwalk police officer. The first 30 minutes are free.
If someone has just been arrested
Three things that matter in the first 24 hours. The full guide explains what happens next in a Connecticut case.
Say nothing about the case
You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. A statement given to be helpful is still a statement.
The arraignment is usually the next court day
For a Norwalk arrest that means Stamford Superior Court on Hoyt Street. Bond and any protective order are set at that hearing.
Call before that hearing
(203) 853-2700. If he is in court, the answering service takes the message. The office needs the charge, the court and the date.
Practice areas
Criminal defense is the core of the practice. DUI and domestic violence are the two cases that walk in most often. The office also handles the family and firearms matters that follow from them.
The attorney
Twenty-seven years on the Norwalk Police Department. Twenty-eight years at the bar.
Attorney Saraceni put himself through law school while working as a Norwalk police officer, retired from the force in 2008, and has practiced in Fairfield County's courts since 1997.
The units he served in, patrol, the detective bureau, narcotics and vice, two FBI task forces, hostage negotiation, are the ones that generate the cases he now defends. He reads the State's case the way he once wrote it and reviewed it. Norwalk Police Officer of the Year, 1997. Cited by the State of Connecticut, 1998.
Case results
Three of the matters the office has published. All four, in full.
Assault in the First Degree
An infant's head injury was called shaken-baby syndrome; both parents were charged and the child placed in foster care. A review of the medical records found a pre-existing condition, an expert witness said so, the charges were dismissed and the child went home.
Assault with a firearm
An armed security guard shot a man who had threatened to kill him and reached for his waistband. Detailed witness statements taken early had to be included in the police warrant. The State declined to go forward.
Violation of probation
A former military pilot with misdiagnosed psychological impairments kept failing DMV requirements. A proper diagnosis, a compliance package and a diversionary program: new charges dismissed, no added time on the violation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.
What clients have said
Testimonials published by the office, and one public Google review. Read all six.
My husband and I have been represented by Attorney Saraceni numerous times. He has always been professional, competent, and thorough. Attorney Saraceni is prompt in returning calls when we have questions about our case.
At all stages of my case, Atty. Saraceni was honest, thorough, insightful, and most importantly, did not treat me as “just another case.”
Mr. James Saraceni is a dedicated and reliable attorney who works closely with his clients to achieve the best results. His work ethic is unmatched and he goes above and beyond to execute positive outcomes.
One office in Norwalk, four courthouses
The office is at 9 Mott Avenue. Since the Norwalk courthouse closed in 2020, Norwalk cases are heard in Stamford. Map and directions.
- Stamford Superior Court (G.A. 1)123 Hoyt Street, Stamford. Norwalk cases are heard here since the Norwalk courthouse closed in 2020. Family matters too.
- Bridgeport Superior Court (G.A. 2)172 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport. Fairfield Judicial District; serious felonies at 1061 Main Street.
- Danbury Superior Court (G.A. 3)146 White Street, Danbury. Danbury Judicial District.
- Torrington Superior Court (Litchfield J.D.)50 Field Street, Torrington. Litchfield Judicial District.
- New Haven Superior Court (G.A. 23)235 Church Street, New Haven. New Haven Judicial District.
Talk to the office before you talk to anyone else.
The first 30 minutes are free. Call, or tell us about your case and the office will call you.
(203) 853-2700