State v. Miller Connecticut: 'Officially Released' Date Triggers Deadlines

• The "officially released" date in a Connecticut judicial opinion indicates its publication in the Connecticut Law Journal or as a slip opinion.
• This date is typically found near the beginning of the opinion.
• It serves as the operative starting point for all time periods related to filing postopinion motions.
• The "officially released" date also initiates all time periods for filing petitions for certification.
• All opinions are subject to subsequent modification and technical correction.

Attorneys practicing in Connecticut must precisely identify the 'officially released' date in any opinion, as this specific date dictates the commencement of all time periods for filing post-opinion motions and petitions for certification, ensuring compliance with procedural deadlines.

An "Order on Motion" in the case of State v. Miller from Connecticut has clarified the precise meaning and function of the "officially released" date found within judicial opinions. This specific date, typically positioned near the commencement of a court's written decision, serves a dual purpose in the state's legal system. It marks the moment an opinion is either slated for publication within the Connecticut Law Journal or made available to the public as a slip opinion.

This designation is not merely an administrative detail; rather, it carries significant weight for legal practitioners and the progression of cases. The clarity provided by the State v. Miller order underscores that this date is the definitive point of reference for understanding when a judicial pronouncement formally enters the public record in Connecticut. Its consistent placement and clear definition aim to remove ambiguity regarding the initial availability of court decisions.

The "officially released" date holds paramount importance as the operative trigger for all subsequent procedural deadlines. Specifically, this date dictates the commencement of every time period allocated for the submission of postopinion motions. These motions, which can include requests for reargument, reconsideration, or clarification, must adhere strictly to timelines that begin counting from the moment the opinion is officially released.

Furthermore, the same "officially released" date is equally critical for establishing the deadline for filing petitions for certification. Such petitions are often a prerequisite for seeking further appellate review, and their timely submission is absolutely essential for parties wishing to pursue their legal remedies. The directive from the State v. Miller order emphasizes that this singular date is the universal starting point for calculating these crucial procedural windows, leaving no room for alternative interpretations regarding the commencement of these timeframes.

Attorneys practicing in Connecticut must precisely identify the 'officially released' date in any opinion, as this specific date dictates the commencement of all time periods for filing post-opinion motions and petitions for certification, ensuring compliance with procedural deadlines. This imperative is further amplified by the understanding that all judicial opinions remain subject to potential modification and technical correction even after their initial release. While such changes are typically minor, the underlying principle reinforces the need for practitioners to rely on the officially designated date for all time-sensitive actions.

The precise identification of this date is therefore not just a matter of diligence but a fundamental requirement for maintaining procedural integrity within the Connecticut legal framework. A miscalculation or misunderstanding of the "officially released" date could lead to the forfeiture of critical rights, such as the ability to file a timely postopinion motion or a petition for certification. Consequently, the guidance provided in the State v. Miller context serves as a vital reminder for all legal professionals to meticulously track and adhere to this foundational date for every case.

Lawyers practicing in Connecticut must precisely identify the 'officially released' date in any opinion, as this specific date dictates the commencement of all time periods for filing post-opinion motions and petitions for certification, ensuring compliance with procedural deadlines.

Source: Facts derived from Connecticut Judicial Branch filing