William H. Paetzold

William H. Paetzold is a Glastonbury, Connecticut, criminal defense attorney who represents clients in serious state and federal criminal matters. Admitted to the state and federal bars in 1990, he began his legal career as a public defender in the Judicial District of Tolland. He later entered private practice and has tried more than 40 criminal cases to verdict before juries in Connecticut state and federal courts.

William earned his Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1990. Before becoming an attorney, he spent six years working as a criminalist at the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory. This combination of legal education and scientific training gives him a strong foundation for evaluating physical evidence, understanding laboratory methods, and identifying technical issues that may affect a criminal prosecution.

William handles complex criminal defense cases involving digital evidence, DNA, crime scene reconstruction, and other forensic issues. His appellate experience includes successfully arguing matters before the Connecticut Appellate Court, the Connecticut Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He also provides strategic consultation to other defense attorneys and has helped train younger public defenders.

William H. Paetzold was selected as a Connecticut Super Lawyer from 2014 through 2025 and is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He also served as an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College and Middlesex Community College, where he taught criminal law. His background as a public defender, forensic scientist, trial lawyer, appellate advocate, and educator supports a careful approach to evidence and a strong commitment to protecting clients’ rights.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Paetzold Law Group
• Member, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association

Licensed State

• Connecticut

Education

• Quinnipiac University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges