Criminal Defense - Willinger, Willinger & Bucci

Your Freedom, Reputation, and Future Are on the Line

When you’re facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom is at risk. Your reputation is threatened. Your future hangs in the balance. You need experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand what you’re going through and will fight fiercely to protect your rights.

At Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, we’ve been defending clients in Connecticut state and federal courts for more than 35 years. Our criminal defense attorneys have decades of combined experience and deep relationships throughout Connecticut’s criminal justice system. We’re known for protecting our clients’ reputations thoughtfully and strategically. We’re down to earth yet highly experienced, strategic, and professional.

We’re passionate about providing justice and expert defense. We’re adept at settling cases favorably for our clients. And when trial is necessary, we’re unafraid of the courtroom.

Why Choose Willinger, Willinger & Bucci for Your Criminal Defense

Decades of Experience. Our criminal defense team has represented clients at all levels of Connecticut’s state and federal courts. We understand the system, the prosecutors, the judges, and the strategies that work.

Strategic and Thoughtful. Criminal defense isn’t just about legal knowledge. It’s about strategy, timing, and understanding how to protect your reputation while fighting for your freedom. We approach every case with careful analysis and strategic planning.

Deep Relationships. Our attorneys have built strong working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court personnel throughout Connecticut. These relationships—earned over decades—give our clients a strategic advantage.

Fierce Advocates. We don’t back down. When your freedom is at stake, you need attorneys who will fight relentlessly for your rights. We challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and hold the state to its burden of proof.

Results-Oriented. Our goal is simple: the best possible outcome for you. Whether that means getting charges dismissed, negotiating a favorable plea, or winning at trial, we pursue the strategy that protects your interests.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Connecticut criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with a wide range of offenses, including:

Felony Charges: Serious criminal charges that carry potential prison sentences
Misdemeanor Charges: Less serious offenses that still carry significant consequences
Federal Crimes: Defense in federal court for federal criminal charges
White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes
DUI/DWI: Drunk driving and impaired driving charges
Drug Crimes: Possession, distribution, and trafficking charges
Assault and Violent Crimes: Assault, domestic violence, and other violent offenses
Theft and Property Crimes: Larceny, burglary, robbery, and property damage
Sex Crimes: Defense against allegations of sexual assault and related charges
Weapons Charges: Illegal possession or use of firearms and weapons
Probation Violations: Defense against allegations of violating probation terms
Expungement and Record Sealing: Clearing or sealing criminal records

We represent clients at every stage of the criminal process, from investigation and arrest through trial and appeals.

Our Approach: Strategic, Experienced, and Relentless

We Understand What You’re Facing. Being charged with a crime is frightening. We take the time to listen to your story, explain the process, and help you understand your options.

We Investigate Thoroughly. We don’t just rely on the prosecutor’s version of events. We conduct our own investigation, interview witnesses, review evidence, and build a strong defense.

We Challenge the State’s Case. The prosecution has the burden of proof. We scrutinize every piece of evidence, challenge illegal searches and seizures, and file motions to suppress evidence when appropriate.

We Negotiate from Strength. Many criminal cases are resolved through negotiation. Our relationships and reputation give us credibility with prosecutors. When a favorable plea deal is in your best interest, we negotiate aggressively.

We’re Ready for Trial. If taking your case to trial is the right strategy, we’re prepared. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who know how to present a compelling defense to a jury.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our criminal defense team includes attorneys who have dedicated their careers to defending the accused:

Christopher Cerami is a seasoned trial attorney and aggressive litigator with a keen mind for case strategy. He works tirelessly to defend the interests of his criminal clients. His strategic approach and courtroom experience make him a formidable advocate when your freedom is on the line.

Mark Middlen is known for his professionalism, tenacity, and communication with clients. He guides clients through every step of the criminal process with clarity and dedication, fighting for the best possible outcome in even the most challenging cases.

Protecting Your Rights at Every Stage

The criminal justice system is complex and intimidating. From the moment you’re arrested, law enforcement and prosecutors are building a case against you. You need experienced counsel immediately.

We represent clients at every critical stage:

Pre-Arrest Investigation: If you’re under investigation but not yet charged
Arrest and Arraignment: Protecting your rights from the very beginning
Bail Hearings: Fighting for reasonable bail or release conditions
Pre-Trial Motions: Challenging evidence and seeking dismissal of charges
Plea Negotiations: Negotiating favorable plea agreements when appropriate
Trial: Presenting a strong defense in court
Sentencing: Advocating for the most favorable sentence
Appeals: Challenging convictions and sentences on appeal

Serving Clients Throughout Connecticut

We represent clients facing criminal charges throughout Connecticut in state and federal courts, including Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re facing charges in superior court or federal district court, our attorneys are here to defend you.

Contact Us Immediately

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, time is critical. The sooner you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better we can protect your rights and build your defense.

Don’t face the criminal justice system alone. Contact Willinger, Willinger & Bucci today to speak with an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer.

Call now for a confidential consultation.

Luz C.

15:34 24 Oct 25

Going through a divorce is never easy, but attorney Mark Middlen, made the process far less overwhelming. He was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about protecting my best interests every step of the way.

Maureen K.

21:32 21 Oct 25

Attorney Tom Bucci was instrumental in helping us prepare our Last Will and Health Directives. He has a multitude of experience in many areas of the law and we have been pleased to seek his counsel throughout the years.
Tom Bucci is always professional, exhibiting kindness and empathy in all of his dealings with you. I would highly recommend Attorney Bucci to anyone in need of an excellent lawyer.

J R.

19:12 28 Aug 25

I cannot say enough about Attorney Mark Middlen and his firm. He represented me through a highly contested and lengthy divorce, where the opposing side was often unprofessional, disrespectful, and even attempted to tarnish his reputation with untruthful allegations. Despite these challenges, Attorney Middlen never wavered—he demonstrated exceptional diligence, skill, and commitment to my case.

What impressed me most was his professionalism and composure. Even under pressure, he maintained his integrity and focused on securing the best possible outcome for me. His thoughtful strategy, tireless work ethic, and calm, steady presence gave me confidence throughout the entire process.

This is not just a lawyer who gets results—this is someone who fights with both intelligence and integrity. I know this is only the beginning of an extended partnership, because I trust no other firm with the outcome of my life. If you want a legal team that truly stands above the rest, I highly recommend Attorney Middlen and his firm.