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James O Ruane

DUI and DWI Attorney at Shelton, CT

4.9   132 reviews

also known as Jay Ruane

  • Licensed for 7 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State CT
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    80%

    24 years, 4,300 cases

  2. Expungement
    10%

    16 years, 253 cases

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket
    10%

    24 years, 2,304 cases

I've been a practicing attorney for 20 years and every day wake up ready to go to battle to fight for my clients.  In that time I have represented blue collar, white collar and no collar people who need a fighter on their side.  My reputation in the legal community in Connecticut speaks for itself.  I have lectured and written books that have become Amazon best sellers and can help you with a in person, video or phone consultation for free if you just reach out and connect with me.

Photos and videos

Contact James

Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
1 Enterprise Drive
Suite 305
Shelton, CT, 06484
Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
955 Connecticut Avenue
Unit 1306
Bridgeport, CT, 06607
Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
35 Pearl Street
Unit 2C
New Britain, CT, 06051
Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
928 Chapel Street
Suite 208
New Haven, CT, 06511
Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
82 Chelsea Harbor Drive
Suite 2
Norwich, CT, 06360
Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC
22 Pasco Drive
East Windsor, CT, 06088
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Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  132 customer reviews
Posted by Alicia | July 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Choose Attorney Ruane's Firm!
My experience with the Ruane Firm has been amazing. All of the staff were helpful and attentive. I am very pleased with how they do there work. Krista answered any questions I had promptly, would inform me about anything needed for my application process,and any changes or updates. My exchanges with Krista were mostly through email but it was easy to communicate with her because she was very nice, understanding, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. The firm worked so well and stood on top of my paperwork, making sure everything was handed in on time; they also helped in the completion of my pardon application. The day I was told I was approved for a hearing I was in disbelief, but it felt so good to know my application was accepted. Attorney Ruane helped prepare me for the big day before the board, and made me feel confident the day I had to go before the board. I couldn't have chosen a better law-firm when I went to see them for a consultation I felt secure that my case was in good hands. I am happy to announce that I am able to regain my life once again and have been granted an absolute pardon, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without the Ruane Firm. They are amazing and I would recommend them in a heartbeat. I can't thank them enough for helping me rid of my past that has been stopping me from living my best life. I am forever grateful that God put them in my path and I wish them much love and success. Thank you Krista, and Attorney Ruane for representing me!
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Posted by Ramon | February 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pardon
I hired this attorney to help me expunge my record. For a reasonable price they help me with all the paper work and filed it all to the right places. With there help I was granted a full pardon. I would recommend them and there team to anyone that is seeking an expungement.
Posted by Joel | January 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank You Krista and James!
A couple years ago I started to file a pardon application on my own. while I was in the process I started to realize this was more of a daunting task than I thought. I found Attorney Ruane on Mr. Pardons and gave them a call. Krista worked with me from the start, and was upfront and honest with me on the odds and this difficult process. The pardon process takes a long time, the paper work has to be perfect which is very difficult and over bearing. Like anything in life you still have to do some foot work, but hard work pays off. After my second run at it, I was approved for a pardons hearing and at the hearing I was happy to have James by my side. I'm a great public speaker and usually not shy but the pardons board is intimidating. I drew a blank on things I wanted to say, James picked up on that and put me back on track. I wouldn't recommend going it alone having this team on my side was the best decision I could have ever made.
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Posted by Christopher | December 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pardon
This firm really guided me through the whole process.It took about 12 months but well worth the wait.This firm has really change my life for the better. I just want to say thank you to the whole team for everything going into 2018 with a clean record.
Posted by Mark | December 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pardon
First class operation from beginning to end. they make the whole pardon process as simple and stress free as possible. James O Ruane and his whole staff basically saved my future.. i could not be more happy with their services ..Krista is wonderful with any help needed during the process an i thank her for that very much...
Posted by Fabio | December 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Very responsive from the first time I spoke with them nothing but professional and helpful answers to all my questions. Krista, attorney Ruanne and all that I spoke with helped me through the pardon process. Until I ultimately received my pardon. Would recommend them for pardon process.
Posted by Mike | December 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mike
Very good guy. Was very respectful and his paralegal was knowledgeable and always returned my calls.he got me a pardon and I didn't think it could be done.i really appreciate all there help the entire firm was very nice and I would recommend them if you're in the market for an Attorney!
Posted by Jim | December 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jim F
It was an outstanding experience from Attorney Ruane to his very competent staff. I live in Florida and was seeking a pardon in Ct. I wasted 3 years with an incompetent attorney who was supposedly respected in the area and just wasted my money. When Ruane Attorneys took over it was professional and took a short amount of time. I would recommend them to anyone.
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Posted by Luis | December 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
James O Ruane And His Team Are The Best Of The Best, From Mr. Diaz
I Highly Recommend Ruane, I Was Very Pleased With Their Services And The Staff Was Very Friendly And Efficient. Cant Forget About Krista She Was Very Helpful Thruout The Process Of My Pardon. Honestly Ruane Attorneys Is The Way To Go And The Ones TO Call For Your LEgal Troubles. Thank You Team
Posted by Gail | December 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Attorney & Firm
Attorney Ruane and his affiliates were amazing to work with. They always made me feel comfortable and like they actually cared for me and my situation. Everyone in the firm were always there whenever I had any questions or concerns. They did a fantastic job and the outcome of my verdict was all in my favor. Thank you Attorney Ruane as well as your co-workers throughout the office.
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Posted by Cory | December 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal defense representation
Mr. Ruane represented my brother and myself for misdemeanor and felony drug charges in Bridgton, CT. Mr. Ruane treated us both with respect, was always on time, and did not price gouge us. He is the best attorney who has ever represented me, and he was able to get my brother’s charges, and my charges dismissed on the day of my arraignment. I highly recommend him to any individual in need of (real) representation.
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Posted by Weston | November 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best service I’ve ever encountered!!
I have never had such quality service. In our first meeting Mr. Ruane told nothing but the truth to me. He told me his thoughts on my case and gave me pricing. His opinion was that I pay the extra buck to assure he himself would be at the case and not just a partner. And boy I’m glad I listened. The first court date he not only got me....but my brother as well, out of all serious charges. No extra charge...in fact he took off half the price afterwards. Did exactly what he said he was going to do and beyond. Can’t soeak enough about the guy. Class act and quality service from not just him but his workers as well!!!!
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Posted by Nick | November 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expungement & Pardon Services
I hired the Ruane group over a year ago to represent me for a Pardon. They were very informative of the entire process and really helped me organize my application and make sure I would stand out amongst my fellow applicants. The first time I applied for a Pardon on my own I didnt know the process and I was denied. After I hired attorney Ruane they prepared me for every scenario, the due process, and the questions I needed to prepare for. I was granted a Full Pardon as a result of the investment and it was worth every bit of it. Krista Anroman who helped manage my case really helped with my expectations and with helping me stay organized and prepared for each stage of the process. I owe their entire team a huge thanks for their professional guidance. I would recommend this team for anyone who may of made a poor decision in thier lives and wish to get thier record clean. My crimes were over 10 years old but severe enough that they haunted me even after my rehabilitation efforts. All I can say is if your serious about clearing your name of something you did several years ago and you can be patient to run the course for this program it can be done in 6 months or less and the Ruane is best in class for this area of practice.
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Posted by anonymous | November 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Ruane, and staff
I want to start with saying that attorney Ruane has the most competent and professional staff. He himself is a professional and knowledgeable attorney. Whom I would refer to any one looking for an attorney. They made the process seem less even when I was stressing about it. They put my mind at ease that they were on it. Thank you very much for helping me put the past behind me for good. Am.
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Posted by Kenneth | July 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service !
My ticket was thrown out after they were contacted and informed I was being represented by Mr Ticket ! Thank you !
Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
gave me peace of mind
I was very impressed. I procrastinated and waited until Sunday to try to find a lawyer for a Wednesday court date. They had a great staff on call on a Sunday and were able to take my case. They were fast and were able to get me a favorable outcome. Well worth the money.
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Results and Support
I hired Attorney Jay Ruane to represent me after a DUI arrest. His in-depth knowledge, as well as his supportive personality, made this very difficult, emotional, and complex process understandable and straight forward. As he continually said to me -- "you worry about your health, I'll worry about the legal implications" made me feel that I had a true professional by my side throughout every aspect of the process. He never made promises he could not keep. Additionally, the entire office was knowledgeable about my case. Therefore, when I called with a question, it was answered thoroughly and quickly. When I had to choose a trial or a 49-day jail sentence, he very clearly provided me with the pros and cons in order to make an informed decision. In order to put this entire situation behind me, I did choose the jail sentence. While I was in Niantic, the support of the staff was clearly differentiated from those attorneys of other DUI inmates. I had weekly calls and support, which was extremely important and valuable to me. I would highly recommend Jay and his entire team. It's worth every penny of investment.
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Posted by Kayla | December 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Firm
I spoke to Andrew on the phone. He helped drop my ticket and charges. He was very concerned and extremely helpful towards my case. I strongly recommend this firm. They are awesome!
Posted by Nathaniel | December 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
profesional results!
From the intake team to the final follow up things were handled in a professional, smooth and no stress manner. Some one always got back to me in a timely manner, but more importantly with clear answers as to where things stood. They asked questions, truly trying to get to know the situation and the details surrounding it. In the end it all added up to a positive outcome!
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Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
terrific service!
i was ticketed in Connecticut back in August. Living in Kansas, i have no contact nor do i have time to search for a lawyer. came across Ruane law firm when i searched on line. What a terrific service! everything was taken care of, i don't even have to lift a finger!
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Deputy Assistant Public Defender
  • State of Connecticut Office of the Public Defender
  • 1998 - 2000

Education

  • University of Connecticut School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • University of Scranton
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • State v. Pilotti
  • Affirmed

Associations

  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • Top 100
  • 2017 - Present
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Faculty
  • 2015 - Present
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Founding Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • State Delegate
  • 2000 - Present
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • President
  • 2015 - 2016
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Faculty
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • President Elect
  • 2014 - 2015
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • DUI Superlawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • DUI Superlawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • Service Award
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2013
  • Innovation Award
  • Lex Innovatio
  • 2013
  • Service Award
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • 2010
  • Service Award
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • 2009
  • New Leader of the Law
  • CT Law Tribune
  • 2006
  • M. Joseph Blumenfeld Award
  • University of Connecticut School of Law
  • 1998
View all awards

Publications

  • Ruane Attorneys
  • Connecticut DUI Survival Guide
  • 2014
  • The Connecticut DUI Trial Notebook
  • Treatise
  • 2007
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • CLFree
  • DRE
  • 2017
  • Nuts & Bolts Seminars
  • Nuts & Bolts of Criminal Defense
  • 2016
  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Visuals In Closing Arguments
  • 2014
  • Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
  • Social Media Ethics
  • 2014
  • Lunchtime Series
  • Nuts and Bolts of DUI
  • 2014
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • DUI Defense
  • 2013
  • Winter Session
  • Social Media Ethics
  • 2012
  • Oklahoma DUI Lawyers
  • Why Breath Testing is Unconstitutional
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (27)
Given (94)
Endorse James
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ruane has an impeccable reputation in the practice areas of DUI Defense and Criminal Defense in Connecticut. I would highly recommend his services."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Ruane is a leader in criminal defense who is always pushing the boundary in the zealous advocacy of his clients."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Simply said, James is a great DUI lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Jay Ruane has well earned his widespread reputation as the preeminent DUI attorney in our state. He is dedicated, insightful, and an excellent colleague to whom many lawyers turn for opinions and advice."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay is well known for his skill and knowledge in DWI defense. He is a superb source for expert information and advice on even the most technically complicated of DWI cases. He is also a compassionate and driven advocate and unrelenting in his defense not only of his clients, but also of the Constitution."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I haven't read any of Jay's reviews but my guess is they can all be summed up with 4 words: "Jay is the man." He is the lawyer other lawyers refer to when they have a complicated case. No higher review than that."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay is an extremely hardworking attorney that is dedicated to his clients and his craft."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Ruane is the first and last name in OUI defense in CT. I've known him and his firm since I became an attorney and they lead the field in developing case law to turn the tables on the State and zealously advocate for their clients. If you are in CT and get pulled over for OUI, Attorney James Ruane should be one of the first names you dial if not the first."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is very good at advocating for his clients. He keeps abreast of the science involved in litigating DUI/DWI mattes and he is passonate about defending his clients. Jay is a great lawyer and I would not hesitate to have him help me if I were in need of legal help."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay's knowledge is breath testing, blood testing, and urine testing as well as field sobriety testing and drug recognition, have made Jay THE attorney to hire. He is a true zealous advoctae for his clients. If I were arrested for DUI in CT., he is the only lawyer I would trust to properly handle my case."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Hands down the best DWI attroney in the state! If the case involves unique issues relating to the breathalyzer, who ya gonna call? Jay Ruane. If the case involves scientific testimony and a beatdown of the state's experts, who ya gonna call? Jay Ruane. If the client is facing significant jail time because this is the 5th dwi arrest in 10 years. who ya gonna call? You know who...Jay Ruane! He truly is a nationally recognized expert in this field and I endorse him without reservation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have attended several national seminars with Jay and have been very impressed with him. Whether it is a seminar where he is presenting or where we talk about strategy over a burger, his attention to detail and knowledge of the relevant issues always impresses. I would hire him for a dwi in a heartbeat."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay is a nationally recognized attorney who has the expertise to represent clients at the highest level. I had the privilege of attending an advanced trial skills seminar with him. He clearly demonstrated to me that he has a high level of knowledge in all matters related to DUI. Jay is among the elite lawyers in the field of DUI anyone charged with a DUI in Connecticut is lucky to have him on their side."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Jay Ruane for years. Whn my clients have Connecticut licensing issues or questions, or when they are arrested for DUI in Connecticut, I recommend Attorney Ruane to them. The feedback I have received from clients I have referred to him has been overwhelmingly positive. Attorney Ruane is THE go-to DUI lawyer in Connecticut."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay is a lawyer who is dedicated to his profession. He travels across the US constantly learning and teaching in the field of DUI defense. I have learned a lot from Jay and I am confident that you can do no better than hiring Jay to be on your side."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Attorney Ruane is the preeminent DUI defense attorney in the State of Connecticut. His experience and proficiency is unmatched."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I first met Attorney Ruane at a forensic conference in San Diego, CA. He is a top notch DUI attorney and the go to lawyer in Connecticut. He is a tireless advocate for his clients and is constantly spending time in training to hone an already impressive set of trial skills. His knowledge in the DUI field is vast and his approach to DUI cases is to act in a professionally aggressive manner. Attorney Ruane's opinion is constantly being sought by attorneys in the DUI community. He has lectured on DUI subjects to other lawyers in the field and has all of the qualifications and credentials you would expect from a lawyer at the top of his game. I would recommend his services to a friend or family member charged with a DUI in Connecticut. I have no reservation in endorsing him and I look forward to watching his reputation in the DUI community continuing to grow."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Attorney Ruane. We have consulted on numerous cases and I have seen Jay "in action" in court. He is highly competent, energetic and knowledgeable. He believes in and fights for his clients. His work is always top notch and his knowledge of DUI/DWI practice area is second to none."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I met James a number of years ago at one of the top DUI seminars in the nation. James was well known among the attendees and our mutual dedication to our trade made us fast friends. James has an outstanding reputation for his tenacity, knowledge, courtroom ability and winning record. I have enjoyed seeing James every year at the big four national DWI seminars. James is on my list to exchange emails when a particularly difficult case arises for trial strategy ideas. James' practice includes Felonies and the most difficult alcohol related cases faced in the criminal defense arena. I am proud to endorse James and would be honored to try a case with him if ever the opportunity presents itself. As a former police officer and judge I have seen the best of the best in criminal trial lawyers. I respect James and place him securely on this list and on my list of "go to" attorneys that I keep handy when i need to refer out of state cases."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jay Ruane is a hard-working, no-nonsense attorney who gets results! He is known across the country as one of the best defense attorneys in the U.S. If you are arrested in Connecticut, call Jay Ruane now!"
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