James J. Ruane

James J. Ruane is the founding partner of Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys and practices in criminal defense. His firm’s current site lists DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Defense, and Pardons / Clean Slate as core practice areas and includes a Hartford location among its Connecticut offices. His profile emphasizes the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and long-term involvement in criminal defense practice and professional organizations.

Ruane earned his Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Connecticut – School of Law in 1977 and his B.A. in Classics from Fairfield University in 1971. He began his career in the Public Defender’s office as an investigator and eventually led the office before moving into private practice. He later worked at Meehan & Meehan, formed his own practice, and eventually started Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys with his son.

Ruane’s profile states that he is a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist in Connecticut and that he was certified as a criminal trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in 1985. It identifies appellate matters including Rivera v. State of Connecticut and United States v. Garcia and lists publications including The Connecticut DUI Trial Handbook, The Connecticut Guide to Criminal Defense, and The Connecticut Habeas Corpus Guide. His work reflects decades of criminal defense, trial, and appellate experience.

James J. Ruane is admitted in Connecticut and has federal admissions that include the US Supreme Court and the US District Court for the District of Connecticut. His profile lists a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune and leadership roles in Connecticut criminal defense organizations. He has served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers and has held leadership roles with the Connecticut Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys At Law, LLC
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association
• President, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers (2004-2005)
• President, Connecticut Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers (1992)
• Chairman – Criminal Law Committee, Greater Bridgeport Bar Association (1990)
• Member Since, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (1980)

Licensed State

• Connecticut

Education

• University of Connecticut – School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• Fairfield University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classics

Awards & Badges