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Connecticut Appellate Court building in Hartford. Photo: Google
¦ From APPELLATE on PAGE 19 If the lower court ruling had stood, the matter would
rehabilitation. The appellate court said McNamara have gone back on the criminal docket. There would
was in error because she not only never discussed have been no diversionary program; and the defen-
the possibility of not approving the rehabilitation dant would have had to make a plea or stand trial.
program, but also failed to permit any argument on The appellate court ruling, LaLima said, means
the topic. his client can complete the 18 months remaining in
In the trial court, McNamara had said, “You the diversionary program.
know, the more I read about this case and the more LaLima said information on the fourth-degree
I looked into the ManKind Project, I believe I was sexual assault charge has been sealed, so it’s unclear
told certain things. I was led astray as to what the of the specifics of the charge.
ManKind Project was. I did do research on the Man- Representing the state in Connecticut v. Han are
Kind project. … I realize that this case is by far too Kathryn Bare, a senior assistant state’s attorney;
serious for accelerated rehabilitation. … I’m going Gail Hardy, a former state’s attorney; and Adam
to terminate his accelerated rehabilitation.” Scott, a supervisory state’s attorney. Alaine Grif-
LaLima said Thursday criminal defense attorneys fin, a representative for the office of the chief
should take away from the Appellate Court’s reversal state’s attorney, didn’t respond to a request for
that “This ruling strengthens the position of people comment Thursday.
in the accelerated rehabilitation program and, two, ¦
it reinforces some of the procedural issues regarding Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
due process and the use of discretion, such as the analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
right to be heard and notified of potential outcomes him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
before the court takes action.” 203-437-5950.
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