James J. Ruane

I believe that no matter who you are, you have the right to a fair trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This belief is at the core of my philosophy as a lawyer, and it is the reason why I started Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys with my son. It might seem like a no brainer that lawyers will take this stance, but you will be surprised to find that this is not always true. Just like police officers and other members of the judicial system, lawyers develop prejudices against their clients and don’t always listen to them. They put in minimal effort and move onto the next case, never stopping to think about the positive impact that they could have had on their clients if only they tried a little harder. After devoting most of my life to the profession of law, I haven’t become this kind of lawyer. I still strive to do my best for every single client. Philosophy I do this by staying active in the law community. I am one of only a handful of attorneys that are Certified Criminal Defense Specialists in the State of Connecticut. I was also certified as a criminal trial specialist in 1985 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune. My career wasn’t always easy. I worked my way through law school and began my career out in the Public Defender’s office as an investigator. After many years of hard work and eventually leading the Public Defenders office, I was recruited by a law firm, called Meehan & Meehan. This was rewarding work, but I eventually left Meehan & Meehan to form my own practice. Once my son, Jay, became a lawyer and finished his stint with the Public Defender’s office, we decided to open our own law firm together. Thus, Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys was born! I love the fact that every day, I have a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. Even though many joke about my retirement, I truly love what I do and have no plans to retire any time soon. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees James J. Ruane included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Lifetime Achievement Award Connecticut Law Tribune, 2015 Other Sources of Feedback About James J. Ruane Included on the 2025Connecticut Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2024 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2023 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2018 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2017 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2016 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2015 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2014 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2013 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2012 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2011 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2010 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2009 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2008 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2007 Connecticut Super Lawyers list 2006 Connecticut Super Lawyers list

• Founding Partner

• Rivera v. State of Connecticut
• United States v. Garcia

• Connecticut, 1977
• U.S. Federal Courts, 1978
• U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1980
• United States Supreme Court, 1998
• U.S. District Court District of Connecticut, 1990
• U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
• Specialties and Certifications
• Certified Criminal Specialist

• Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers (President - 2004-2005)
• Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers (Vice President - 2002-2004)
• Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers (Treasurer - 2000-2002)
• Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member, Since - 1986)
• Connecticut Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers (President - 1992, Treasurer - 1990, Member Since - 1980)
• Greater Bridgeport Bar Association (Chairman - Criminal Law Committee - 1990)
• Greater Bridgeport Bar Association (Member Since - 1980)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member Since - 1980)