Criminal Defense for Non Criminals™

Connecticut's Most
Decorated
Criminal Defense Team —
In Your Corner

Since 2001, Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys has fought for Connecticut residents across every courthouse in the state — led by a Certified Criminal Trial Specialist and the attorney who literally wrote the book on Connecticut DUI.

Get Your Free Case Review Meet Our Attorneys
★★★★★
4.8 Stars · 1,000+ Google Reviews
Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys — Jim, Jay, and Teresa

Founding Partners

Jim Ruane · Jay Ruane · Teresa DiNardi

Why Connecticut Trusts Ruane

A Standard Others Cannot Match

4.8 Stars · 1,000+ Client Reviews

More than a thousand Connecticut clients have shared their experience — and the verdict is overwhelming. We deliver results and treat every client with genuine care.

Certified Criminal Trial Specialist

Founding Partner Jim Ruane holds one of the highest designations in Connecticut criminal law — an elite distinction that sets our firm apart from virtually every other practice in the state.

Nine Offices Across Connecticut

From Bridgeport to New London — we go where our clients are. There is always a Ruane attorney close to you, ready to stand in your corner.

Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court

Attorneys Jim Ruane and Teresa DiNardi are admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court bar — a credential reflecting the highest level of legal standing in the country.

Practicing Since 1978

Founding Partner Jim Ruane has been fighting for the accused since 1978. Over four decades of Connecticut courtroom experience stands behind every case we take.

Free Case Review, Zero Commitment

No pressure, no cost. Talk to our team, understand your options, and decide what is right for you — before you commit to anything.

Practice Areas

Every Charge.
Every Courthouse.
Every Outcome.

We have built Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys on decades of hard-won courtroom victories. Whatever the charge — whatever the courthouse — we handle cases in every Connecticut county with unmatched local expertise.

Ruane Attorneys Office — 1 Enterprise Drive, Connecticut

1 Enterprise Drive, Suite 305, Connecticut

DUI Defense

Connecticut's most experienced DUI defense team has handled every type of charge — first offense, elevated BAC, drug DUI, and beyond — since long before the firm opened its doors in 2001.

Drug Crimes Defense

Facing a drug charge can reshape your entire future. We build aggressive, precise defenses to protect your record, your freedom, and the opportunities that matter most to you.

Assault & Violent Crimes

From misdemeanor assault to serious felony charges, we develop the right defense strategy for your specific circumstances and fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome.

Motor Vehicle Violations

A motor vehicle charge can cost you your license, spike your insurance, and threaten your livelihood. We defend all traffic and motor vehicle matters across Connecticut.

Criminal Defense

Whatever the charge — whatever the courthouse — we handle criminal defense cases in every Connecticut county with decades of hard-won courtroom experience behind us.

Juvenile Cases

Young people facing criminal charges deserve a skilled, compassionate advocate. We handle juvenile matters with the expertise and care every young client deserves.

Pardons

A past conviction doesn't have to define your future. We guide clients through Connecticut's pardon process to help restore opportunities and open the doors that were closed.

The Ruane Difference

Why This Firm Stands Apart

Certified Criminal Trial Specialist

Founding Partner Jim Ruane is one of the only Certified Criminal Trial Specialists in Connecticut — an elite designation bringing unmatched courtroom mastery to your case.

Wrote the Book on CT DUI

Managing Partner Jay Ruane literally authored the definitive guide to Connecticut DUI law, giving you an unmatched strategic edge from day one.

1,000+ Five-Star Reviews

A 4.8-star rating backed by more than 1,000 verified client reviews tells the real story of what it means to have Ruane fighting for you.

Nine Offices Statewide

From Bridgeport to Hartford, Shelton to New London — we meet you where you are, with nine convenient locations throughout the state.

Every Courthouse, Every County

Our attorneys have spent decades learning every Connecticut courthouse inside and out, giving you a critical local advantage no matter where your case is heard.

U.S. Supreme Court Admitted

Attorneys Jim Ruane and Teresa DiNardi are admitted to argue before the United States Supreme Court — the highest standard of legal achievement.

Se Habla Español

We proudly serve Connecticut's Spanish-speaking community — ensuring every client receives the full defense they deserve.

Free Case Review

Start with a no-cost consultation and understand exactly where you stand and what your options are — before making any decisions.

Ruane Attorneys Partners

45+

Years of Experience

About the Firm

Personable. Professional.
Passionate.

Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys has been part of Connecticut's criminal defense community since founding partner Jim Ruane began his career as a public defender in 1978. From those early days fighting for the accused, through the founding of the firm in 2001, to building one of the most recognized criminal defense practices in the state — this is a story of relentless dedication to the people of Connecticut.

Today, the firm is led by Founding Partner Jim Ruane — one of the only Certified Criminal Trial Specialists in Connecticut, with over 45 years of practice — alongside Managing Partner Jay Ruane, who literally wrote the book on Connecticut DUI law, and Partner Teresa DiNardi, known as "Lady DUI," who brings deep expertise in drug DUIs, elevated BAC cases, and complex DUI matters.

With nine offices statewide and more than 1,000 Google reviews at a 4.8-star rating, Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys is one of the few firms in Connecticut that handles cases in every county and every courthouse.

Jim Ruane

Founding Partner · Certified Criminal Specialist

Jay Ruane

Managing Partner · CT DUI Author

Teresa DiNardi

Partner · "Lady DUI"

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Our Locations

Nine Offices Across Connecticut

Bridgeport East Windsor Hartford Manchester New Britain New Haven New London Norwich Shelton Westport
How We Work

From First Call to Final Resolution

1

Request Your Free Case Review

Call, text, email, FaceTime, or fill out our online form — reaching us is easy, and your first consultation costs you nothing.

2

Case Evaluation & Strategy Session

Your attorney reviews the full details of your charges, explains your rights and every available option, and outlines a customized defense strategy.

3

Build the Strongest Possible Defense

We investigate the evidence, examine procedures, and apply deep local courthouse knowledge to construct the most powerful defense for your situation.

4

Fight for You — At Every Stage

Whether through negotiations, motions, or trial, your Ruane attorney stands in your corner and advocates aggressively for the best outcome at every turn.

5

Resolution & Beyond

We pursue the best possible resolution and remain in your corner afterward — including pardon applications and post-conviction matters when the path forward requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions, Direct Answers

We handle DUI charges, drug crimes, assault, motor vehicle violations, general criminal defense, juvenile cases, and pardons — in every county and courthouse across Connecticut.

Yes. We offer a no-cost case review to all prospective clients. You can reach us by phone, text, email, FaceTime, or our online form — with no obligation.

Yes. We are one of the only criminal defense firms in the state that handles cases in every Connecticut county and courthouse. With nine offices statewide, we can meet you at a location that is convenient for you.

It is one of the highest designations a criminal defense attorney in Connecticut can earn, recognizing an elite level of trial experience and courtroom skill. Founding Partner Jim Ruane holds this distinction and is one of the very few attorneys in the state to do so.

Our founding partner is one of Connecticut's only Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. Our managing partner literally authored the definitive guide to Connecticut DUI law. Together, our attorneys have practiced for decades in every Connecticut courthouse — and our clients have left over 1,000 five-star reviews reflecting that difference.

Yes. Our office proudly serves Connecticut's Spanish-speaking community — se habla español. We want every client to feel fully understood and fully represented.

Absolutely. We offer virtual appointments by phone or FaceTime in addition to in-person meetings at any of our nine offices throughout Connecticut.

Partner Teresa DiNardi, known as "Lady DUI," is one of the firm's leading DUI defense specialists, with particular expertise in drug DUIs, elevated BAC cases, and complex DUI matters. She is also admitted to argue before the United States Supreme Court.

Free Case Review

Your Freedom Deserves
Fearless Defense.

Do not face a criminal charge alone. Contact Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year — in English and Spanish.

Call or Text 24/7

203-925-9200

Email Us

intaketeam@ruaneattorneys.com

Main Office

1 Enterprise Drive, Suite 305, Connecticut

Get Directions
Se Habla Español · Available 24/7 · 365 Days

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Confidential & Secure. No Obligation.