
Joseph John Colarusso, Criminal Defense Attorney in Stamford, Connecticut
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
MemberatLaw Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso
Stamford, CT
Practicing criminal defense in Stamford since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 15 client reviews
- 6
- Bar admissions
Are you Joseph John Colarusso?
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Quick answer
Joseph John Colarusso is a member based in Stamford, CT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
- Based in
- Stamford, CT
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Federal Crimes
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes matters from Stamford, CT.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Joseph John Colarusso: Joseph John Colarusso is a member based in Stamford, CT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Joseph's practice areas in Stamford
Joseph concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, federal crimes, juvenile, and traffic. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Federal Crimes
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Juvenile
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Traffic
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Criminal Defense cases in Stamford, Connecticut
Joseph takes criminal defense matters in Stamford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Stamford, Connecticut
Joseph takes dui/dwi matters in Stamford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Stamford, Connecticut
Joseph takes federal crimes matters in Stamford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Stamford, Connecticut
Joseph takes juvenile matters in Stamford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Traffic cases in Stamford, Connecticut
Joseph takes traffic matters in Stamford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Joseph John Colarusso, criminal defense attorney serving Stamford
Joseph John Colarusso is a member based in Stamford, CT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews. Joseph works from Stamford, Connecticut and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Attorney Colarusso is a Former Prosecutor with over 38 years of experience in the criminal field, including jury and non jury trials. Professional, Knowledgeable and Accessible. He is admitted and practices in Connecticut (1993), New York (1983) and the Federal Courts of both states. He has succesfully defended Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault, Burglary, Domestic Violence, Drug, DWI, DUI, Economic Crimes, Juvenile Matters, Sex Offenses, Child Pornography, Motor Vehicle and Traffic matters. He brings his understanding of the courts and the law to vigorously defend his clients. His practice is limited to all Criminal and DWI/DUI matters. Attorney Colarusso will fight to Protect Your Rights during every stage of the Criminal Process. Emergency Telephone Number if you are arrested Call
Working with Joseph on a criminal defense matter
Attorney Colarusso is a Former Prosecutor with over 38 years of experience in the criminal field, including jury and non jury trials. Professional, Knowledgeable and Accessible. He is admitted and practices in Connecticut (1993), New York (1983) and the Federal Courts of both states. He has succesfully defended Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault, Burglary, Domestic Violence, Drug, DWI, DUI,…
Clients Joseph works with
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and federal crimes matters in Stamford and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joseph studied and practices
California Western School of Law
J.D. · 1981
St. John's University
B.A. History · 1977
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
Connecticut
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
New York
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. History in St. John's University.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. History in St. John's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Joseph's legal honors and published work
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Stamford/Norwalk, Westchester, Bronx and Connecticut Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Joseph John Colarusso's office in Stamford
Joseph's primary office is at 1234 Summer St., 4th Fl., Stamford, CT, 06905. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso
1234 Summer St., 4th Fl.
Stamford, CT 06905
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph John Colarusso — 5.0/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Stamford.
5.0
15 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph John Colarusso claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph John Colarusso — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Stamford, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph John Colarusso
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Stamford?
Joseph is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Stamford, Hartford and New Haven in Connecticut
Joseph handles criminal defense matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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