The Hayber Law Firm, LLC 
CAN THEY DO THAT?

221 Main Street                                                                       May 25, 2012

Hartford, CT 06106                                                                   VOLUME 101  

 Can my employer fire me for being a witness in a criminal case?

 

No. We have a special law in Connecticut to protect this and other similar conduct.

 

General Statutes § 54-85b(a) provides that "an employer shall not deprive an employee of employment, penalize or threaten or otherwise coerce an employee with respect to employment, because..." that employee participates in a criminal investigation, is subpoenaed to court as a witness in a criminal case, obtains a restraining order or protective order, is the victim of family violence or is as family member of a minor who is a victim of family violence. (See the statute for the exact language).

 

The remedy is to file a lawsuit in court, but it must be done with 180 days. This is a very short time period for lawsuits in Connecticut generally. You can win damages, reinstatement and a reasonable attorney's fee. 

 

Richard Hayber
The Hayber Law Firm, LLC
 
Please feel free to forward this e-zine to your friends!
 
Disclaimer

The materials in this e-zine are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  This e-zine is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Hayber Law Firm and you should not act or rely on any information in the site without seeking the advice of an attorney.