James O. Ruane

James O. Ruane is the founding attorney of Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys At Law, LLC, in Fairfield, Connecticut. Practicing criminal defense for nearly 30 years, he has become one of Connecticut’s most respected DUI defense lawyers. He focuses his practice on defending individuals accused of DUI, criminal offenses and related matters, providing an unmatched depth of knowledge and a client-first approach. He built his firm to bring together some of the state’s best attorneys, creating a powerhouse team devoted to protecting the rights and futures of those facing serious charges.

Mr. Ruane earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1998 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Scranton in 1994. Admitted to the Connecticut Bar Association in 1998, he has remained committed to excellence and fairness in every case. His education and early experience as a public defender shaped his passion for giving a voice to people who often feel unheard within the justice system.

An active leader in the legal community, Mr. Ruane is a past president of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and a longtime member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association and the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association. He has also served as faculty for The National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. In addition, he has authored multiple publications, including ‘The Connecticut DUI Trial Handbook’, ‘The Connecticut Habeas Corpus Guide’ and the co-authored strategy book “Tiger Tactics”.

Once an underdog himself, Mr. Ruane knows what it takes to stand up for people facing their toughest moments. His mission remains the same today: to ensure every client has a powerful advocate who will fight to protect their rights and future.