team-member

Trent LaLima

N/A

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Attorney Trent LaLima is the owner of Santos & LaLima, P.C., a law firm with a four decade long track record. The firm was founded by Hubert Santos in 1980, and particularly built its reputation on tirelessly and effectively representing criminal defendants. The firm also gained significant experience handling high-profile cases throughout the state of Connecticut. In 2013, Attorney LaLima began his career at the firm, then-named The Law Offices of Hubert J. Santos. He worked directly with Attorney Santos on cases that ranged from DUI/DWI and domestic violence to murder and other serious violent or sexual assault felonies. He worked on appeals, and handled both state and federal cases. Other than criminal defense, Attorney LaLima also handled personal injury, civil cases, business disputes, juvenile matters, and administrative hearings including school disciplinary proceedings. Attorney LaLima has represented clients in Hartford, New Haven, and to all four corners of Connecticut. He has experience in trials, negotiating plea deals, achieving dismissals and erased records for defendants, helping clients who have not been charged to avoid arrest, and arguing in front of Connecticut's Appellate Court and Supreme Court.Attorney Santos served as an invaluable mentor for Attorney LaLima for eight years. After six years, Attorney LaLima became a partner at the firm, and it was renamed Santos & LaLima, P.C. After Attorney Santos passed away in 2021, he left the firm to Attorney LaLima to become the sole owner. Attorney LaLima looks forward to continuing the traditions of the firm that were established by Attorney Santos, including being creative and bold in defending their clients' legal rights, treating clients with respect, using plainspoken straight talk, and ensuring every case receives the attention and personal touch it deserves. Attorney LaLima has served in numerous leadership positions in legal organizations through Connecticut. He has been the Chair of multiple capacities in the Connecticut Bar Association, including the Criminal Justice Section, is the co-Chair of the Hartford County Bar Association's Criminal Committee, and is the Chair of Annual Criminal Litigation Seminar organized by the Connecticut Trial Lawyer's Association. He has been the Continuing Legal Education Director for the Connecticut Bar Association, and has been a panelist at multiple legal education seminars. He has been featured as a legal analyst on NBC Connecticut. His peers have rated him AV Preeminent at Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for professional excellence, skill, integrity, and ethical standards. A lifelong Connecticut resident and UConn graduate, he lives in West Hartford. In his spare time, he serves on the board and coaches for West Hartford youth basketball, and supports the UConn Huskies. 

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Personal Injury

DUI and DWI

White Collar Crime

Language

English

Contact

Santos & LaLima, P.C.50 Russ StHartford, CT, 06106

Office: (860) 560-1266

Website: N/A

Reviews

Peter
July 24, 2021

During a very difficult time, Trent LaLima came into my life and played a crucial role in my recovery. Mr. LaLima is a truly gifted and professional individual. His relentless approach to my case(s) is a direct reflection of his unwavering desire to be the best. Trent is an endearing attorney that commands respect in the courtroom and among public officials. I knew that Trent always had my best interests in mind. He set all of my worries and anxiety at ease in and out of the courtroom. Trent LaLima is truly a great guy and proven expert in his field. If you need someone in a difficult time, take my advice and call Trent. Your future self will thank you. Thanks for everything, Trent. God Bless

M
July 12, 2021

I have been represented by Santos & LaLima PC since 2017, and Trent has been an instrumental part of my criminal defense team since the very beginning. Throughout the long and excruciatingly painful process of defending myself in a high-profile case, Trent did the leg work, prepared my case for multiple court appearances, and helped me navigate a system that terrified me and was bent on grinding me into hamburger. Along the way, Trent and the late atty Santos helped me wait out the tenure of a judge who was unduly biased against me. Since 2019, Trent has been the principle attorney in my case. He represented me in front of a new judge and helped me secure the diversionary probation status of Accelerated Rehabilitation, which allows my record to be expunged at the end of the probationary period. Trent was also there to help me when probation took me back to court, then filed an appeal when the judge inappropriately revoked my AR. The comprehensive and well laid out arguments in the brief to the appellate court resulted in a unanimous decision in my favor, allowing me to restart my AR and have a hope at regaining my life at the end of this chapter. So, through superior court, the appellate court, and probation, Trent has walked alongside me every step of the way. I and my family believe that without Trent's hard efforts, or with someone less competent, my future would have been bleak indeed. Through the whole process, Trent has treated me with respect, kindness, and compassion. And as bonus, his fees were very reasonable considering the seriousness of the allegations. Being caught in the jaws of the (in)justice system is a categorically painful and terrifying experience. The right attorney can mean the difference between just singed or being completely destroyed. I and my family believe that Trent has been the right attorney for me and has done admirably discharging his professional responsibility.

anonymous
January 25, 2022

My family and I had a wonderful experience dealing with Trent and his office. Not only did he get us best case scenario for sentencing, he was pleasant to deal and responsive when we had questions. covid made things more complicated but he accommodated with Virtual meetings whenever needed. We felt his fee was reasonable for what we had to deal with. His knowledge of the Hartford judicial system and team is extremely helpful!! We would highly recommend him. Although we hope we don't need to hire him again, we certainly will if necessary. Thank you Trent!

Justin
July 29, 2021

Trent LaLima showed his passion for law from the second I spoke with him about my case. He fights for the best possible outcome for his clients and is eager to succeed in helping both in and out of the court room. Trent was always ready to take a phone call, respond to emails, and even meet and answer any questions I had before and after hearings. That does not even begin to touch on all of his efforts behind the scenes. He is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. He knows how to build a solid, structured defense to then bring and deliver it to the court. I am extremely grateful to have found and worked with a lawyer that went above and beyond for such a period of time and put my best interest at the forefront. Trent got my life back to normal. He is an amazing attorney, and I would recommend him for anyone requiring these services.

Robert J
July 26, 2021

Trent LaLima has represented me in two separate matters since 2015. In each case he has represented me very well and in each one there was a favorable outcome for me. In the most recent matter he confirmed how accomplished an attorney he is when he worked promptly and diligently to secure a timely and very positive outcome for me. I highly recommend him.

anonymous
July 12, 2021

Trent represented me on multiple cases. He was always thinking of all the angles and at one point got me an unexpected great result by knowing when not to argue something. He was patient with my case and kept coming back to court waiting to strike when the iron was hot for a great deal on my cases. I would recommend anyone hire his firm.

Chris
July 7, 2021

Trent made a difficult and challenging situation easy to process and move forward. He was informative, timely and highly supportive. He was always accessible and easy to talk with. Highly recommended.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

In the course of a very lengthy court process (thanks, Covid), Trent was phenomenal about staying in touch, preparing our family for court hearings and easing the way for a productive end to a very trying and unfortunate time for our family.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

Trent was fantastic throughout our process. He was very quick and helpful. We will most definitely recommend him to anyone!

anonymous
July 6, 2021

Attorney Trent LaLima represented me a few years ago in a case that garnered media attention. He was fantastic throughout the entire process, was always thorough, and was available and helpful. He also kept me up-to-date on all facets for the duration of the proceedings. I highly recommend Trent to anyone in need of representation in cases big or small and assure you are in good hands.

Peter
July 24, 2021

During a very difficult time, Trent LaLima came into my life and played a crucial role in my recovery. Mr. LaLima is a truly gifted and professional individual. His relentless approach to my case(s) is a direct reflection of his unwavering desire to be the best. Trent is an endearing attorney that commands respect in the courtroom and among public officials. I knew that Trent always had my best interests in mind. He set all of my worries and anxiety at ease in and out of the courtroom. Trent LaLima is truly a great guy and proven expert in his field. If you need someone in a difficult time, take my advice and call Trent. Your future self will thank you. Thanks for everything, Trent. God Bless

M
July 12, 2021

I have been represented by Santos & LaLima PC since 2017, and Trent has been an instrumental part of my criminal defense team since the very beginning. Throughout the long and excruciatingly painful process of defending myself in a high-profile case, Trent did the leg work, prepared my case for multiple court appearances, and helped me navigate a system that terrified me and was bent on grinding me into hamburger. Along the way, Trent and the late atty Santos helped me wait out the tenure of a judge who was unduly biased against me. Since 2019, Trent has been the principle attorney in my case. He represented me in front of a new judge and helped me secure the diversionary probation status of Accelerated Rehabilitation, which allows my record to be expunged at the end of the probationary period. Trent was also there to help me when probation took me back to court, then filed an appeal when the judge inappropriately revoked my AR. The comprehensive and well laid out arguments in the brief to the appellate court resulted in a unanimous decision in my favor, allowing me to restart my AR and have a hope at regaining my life at the end of this chapter. So, through superior court, the appellate court, and probation, Trent has walked alongside me every step of the way. I and my family believe that without Trent's hard efforts, or with someone less competent, my future would have been bleak indeed. Through the whole process, Trent has treated me with respect, kindness, and compassion. And as bonus, his fees were very reasonable considering the seriousness of the allegations. Being caught in the jaws of the (in)justice system is a categorically painful and terrifying experience. The right attorney can mean the difference between just singed or being completely destroyed. I and my family believe that Trent has been the right attorney for me and has done admirably discharging his professional responsibility.

anonymous
January 25, 2022

My family and I had a wonderful experience dealing with Trent and his office. Not only did he get us best case scenario for sentencing, he was pleasant to deal and responsive when we had questions. covid made things more complicated but he accommodated with Virtual meetings whenever needed. We felt his fee was reasonable for what we had to deal with. His knowledge of the Hartford judicial system and team is extremely helpful!! We would highly recommend him. Although we hope we don't need to hire him again, we certainly will if necessary. Thank you Trent!

Justin
July 29, 2021

Trent LaLima showed his passion for law from the second I spoke with him about my case. He fights for the best possible outcome for his clients and is eager to succeed in helping both in and out of the court room. Trent was always ready to take a phone call, respond to emails, and even meet and answer any questions I had before and after hearings. That does not even begin to touch on all of his efforts behind the scenes. He is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. He knows how to build a solid, structured defense to then bring and deliver it to the court. I am extremely grateful to have found and worked with a lawyer that went above and beyond for such a period of time and put my best interest at the forefront. Trent got my life back to normal. He is an amazing attorney, and I would recommend him for anyone requiring these services.

Robert J
July 26, 2021

Trent LaLima has represented me in two separate matters since 2015. In each case he has represented me very well and in each one there was a favorable outcome for me. In the most recent matter he confirmed how accomplished an attorney he is when he worked promptly and diligently to secure a timely and very positive outcome for me. I highly recommend him.

anonymous
July 12, 2021

Trent represented me on multiple cases. He was always thinking of all the angles and at one point got me an unexpected great result by knowing when not to argue something. He was patient with my case and kept coming back to court waiting to strike when the iron was hot for a great deal on my cases. I would recommend anyone hire his firm.

Chris
July 7, 2021

Trent made a difficult and challenging situation easy to process and move forward. He was informative, timely and highly supportive. He was always accessible and easy to talk with. Highly recommended.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

In the course of a very lengthy court process (thanks, Covid), Trent was phenomenal about staying in touch, preparing our family for court hearings and easing the way for a productive end to a very trying and unfortunate time for our family.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

Trent was fantastic throughout our process. He was very quick and helpful. We will most definitely recommend him to anyone!

anonymous
July 6, 2021

Attorney Trent LaLima represented me a few years ago in a case that garnered media attention. He was fantastic throughout the entire process, was always thorough, and was available and helpful. He also kept me up-to-date on all facets for the duration of the proceedings. I highly recommend Trent to anyone in need of representation in cases big or small and assure you are in good hands.

Peter
July 24, 2021

During a very difficult time, Trent LaLima came into my life and played a crucial role in my recovery. Mr. LaLima is a truly gifted and professional individual. His relentless approach to my case(s) is a direct reflection of his unwavering desire to be the best. Trent is an endearing attorney that commands respect in the courtroom and among public officials. I knew that Trent always had my best interests in mind. He set all of my worries and anxiety at ease in and out of the courtroom. Trent LaLima is truly a great guy and proven expert in his field. If you need someone in a difficult time, take my advice and call Trent. Your future self will thank you. Thanks for everything, Trent. God Bless

M
July 12, 2021

I have been represented by Santos & LaLima PC since 2017, and Trent has been an instrumental part of my criminal defense team since the very beginning. Throughout the long and excruciatingly painful process of defending myself in a high-profile case, Trent did the leg work, prepared my case for multiple court appearances, and helped me navigate a system that terrified me and was bent on grinding me into hamburger. Along the way, Trent and the late atty Santos helped me wait out the tenure of a judge who was unduly biased against me. Since 2019, Trent has been the principle attorney in my case. He represented me in front of a new judge and helped me secure the diversionary probation status of Accelerated Rehabilitation, which allows my record to be expunged at the end of the probationary period. Trent was also there to help me when probation took me back to court, then filed an appeal when the judge inappropriately revoked my AR. The comprehensive and well laid out arguments in the brief to the appellate court resulted in a unanimous decision in my favor, allowing me to restart my AR and have a hope at regaining my life at the end of this chapter. So, through superior court, the appellate court, and probation, Trent has walked alongside me every step of the way. I and my family believe that without Trent's hard efforts, or with someone less competent, my future would have been bleak indeed. Through the whole process, Trent has treated me with respect, kindness, and compassion. And as bonus, his fees were very reasonable considering the seriousness of the allegations. Being caught in the jaws of the (in)justice system is a categorically painful and terrifying experience. The right attorney can mean the difference between just singed or being completely destroyed. I and my family believe that Trent has been the right attorney for me and has done admirably discharging his professional responsibility.

anonymous
January 25, 2022

My family and I had a wonderful experience dealing with Trent and his office. Not only did he get us best case scenario for sentencing, he was pleasant to deal and responsive when we had questions. covid made things more complicated but he accommodated with Virtual meetings whenever needed. We felt his fee was reasonable for what we had to deal with. His knowledge of the Hartford judicial system and team is extremely helpful!! We would highly recommend him. Although we hope we don't need to hire him again, we certainly will if necessary. Thank you Trent!

Justin
July 29, 2021

Trent LaLima showed his passion for law from the second I spoke with him about my case. He fights for the best possible outcome for his clients and is eager to succeed in helping both in and out of the court room. Trent was always ready to take a phone call, respond to emails, and even meet and answer any questions I had before and after hearings. That does not even begin to touch on all of his efforts behind the scenes. He is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. He knows how to build a solid, structured defense to then bring and deliver it to the court. I am extremely grateful to have found and worked with a lawyer that went above and beyond for such a period of time and put my best interest at the forefront. Trent got my life back to normal. He is an amazing attorney, and I would recommend him for anyone requiring these services.

Robert J
July 26, 2021

Trent LaLima has represented me in two separate matters since 2015. In each case he has represented me very well and in each one there was a favorable outcome for me. In the most recent matter he confirmed how accomplished an attorney he is when he worked promptly and diligently to secure a timely and very positive outcome for me. I highly recommend him.

anonymous
July 12, 2021

Trent represented me on multiple cases. He was always thinking of all the angles and at one point got me an unexpected great result by knowing when not to argue something. He was patient with my case and kept coming back to court waiting to strike when the iron was hot for a great deal on my cases. I would recommend anyone hire his firm.

Chris
July 7, 2021

Trent made a difficult and challenging situation easy to process and move forward. He was informative, timely and highly supportive. He was always accessible and easy to talk with. Highly recommended.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

In the course of a very lengthy court process (thanks, Covid), Trent was phenomenal about staying in touch, preparing our family for court hearings and easing the way for a productive end to a very trying and unfortunate time for our family.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

Trent was fantastic throughout our process. He was very quick and helpful. We will most definitely recommend him to anyone!

anonymous
July 6, 2021

Attorney Trent LaLima represented me a few years ago in a case that garnered media attention. He was fantastic throughout the entire process, was always thorough, and was available and helpful. He also kept me up-to-date on all facets for the duration of the proceedings. I highly recommend Trent to anyone in need of representation in cases big or small and assure you are in good hands.

Peter
July 24, 2021

During a very difficult time, Trent LaLima came into my life and played a crucial role in my recovery. Mr. LaLima is a truly gifted and professional individual. His relentless approach to my case(s) is a direct reflection of his unwavering desire to be the best. Trent is an endearing attorney that commands respect in the courtroom and among public officials. I knew that Trent always had my best interests in mind. He set all of my worries and anxiety at ease in and out of the courtroom. Trent LaLima is truly a great guy and proven expert in his field. If you need someone in a difficult time, take my advice and call Trent. Your future self will thank you. Thanks for everything, Trent. God Bless

M
July 12, 2021

I have been represented by Santos & LaLima PC since 2017, and Trent has been an instrumental part of my criminal defense team since the very beginning. Throughout the long and excruciatingly painful process of defending myself in a high-profile case, Trent did the leg work, prepared my case for multiple court appearances, and helped me navigate a system that terrified me and was bent on grinding me into hamburger. Along the way, Trent and the late atty Santos helped me wait out the tenure of a judge who was unduly biased against me. Since 2019, Trent has been the principle attorney in my case. He represented me in front of a new judge and helped me secure the diversionary probation status of Accelerated Rehabilitation, which allows my record to be expunged at the end of the probationary period. Trent was also there to help me when probation took me back to court, then filed an appeal when the judge inappropriately revoked my AR. The comprehensive and well laid out arguments in the brief to the appellate court resulted in a unanimous decision in my favor, allowing me to restart my AR and have a hope at regaining my life at the end of this chapter. So, through superior court, the appellate court, and probation, Trent has walked alongside me every step of the way. I and my family believe that without Trent's hard efforts, or with someone less competent, my future would have been bleak indeed. Through the whole process, Trent has treated me with respect, kindness, and compassion. And as bonus, his fees were very reasonable considering the seriousness of the allegations. Being caught in the jaws of the (in)justice system is a categorically painful and terrifying experience. The right attorney can mean the difference between just singed or being completely destroyed. I and my family believe that Trent has been the right attorney for me and has done admirably discharging his professional responsibility.

anonymous
January 25, 2022

My family and I had a wonderful experience dealing with Trent and his office. Not only did he get us best case scenario for sentencing, he was pleasant to deal and responsive when we had questions. covid made things more complicated but he accommodated with Virtual meetings whenever needed. We felt his fee was reasonable for what we had to deal with. His knowledge of the Hartford judicial system and team is extremely helpful!! We would highly recommend him. Although we hope we don't need to hire him again, we certainly will if necessary. Thank you Trent!

Justin
July 29, 2021

Trent LaLima showed his passion for law from the second I spoke with him about my case. He fights for the best possible outcome for his clients and is eager to succeed in helping both in and out of the court room. Trent was always ready to take a phone call, respond to emails, and even meet and answer any questions I had before and after hearings. That does not even begin to touch on all of his efforts behind the scenes. He is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. He knows how to build a solid, structured defense to then bring and deliver it to the court. I am extremely grateful to have found and worked with a lawyer that went above and beyond for such a period of time and put my best interest at the forefront. Trent got my life back to normal. He is an amazing attorney, and I would recommend him for anyone requiring these services.

Robert J
July 26, 2021

Trent LaLima has represented me in two separate matters since 2015. In each case he has represented me very well and in each one there was a favorable outcome for me. In the most recent matter he confirmed how accomplished an attorney he is when he worked promptly and diligently to secure a timely and very positive outcome for me. I highly recommend him.

anonymous
July 12, 2021

Trent represented me on multiple cases. He was always thinking of all the angles and at one point got me an unexpected great result by knowing when not to argue something. He was patient with my case and kept coming back to court waiting to strike when the iron was hot for a great deal on my cases. I would recommend anyone hire his firm.

Chris
July 7, 2021

Trent made a difficult and challenging situation easy to process and move forward. He was informative, timely and highly supportive. He was always accessible and easy to talk with. Highly recommended.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

In the course of a very lengthy court process (thanks, Covid), Trent was phenomenal about staying in touch, preparing our family for court hearings and easing the way for a productive end to a very trying and unfortunate time for our family.

anonymous
July 7, 2021

Trent was fantastic throughout our process. He was very quick and helpful. We will most definitely recommend him to anyone!

anonymous
July 6, 2021

Attorney Trent LaLima represented me a few years ago in a case that garnered media attention. He was fantastic throughout the entire process, was always thorough, and was available and helpful. He also kept me up-to-date on all facets for the duration of the proceedings. I highly recommend Trent to anyone in need of representation in cases big or small and assure you are in good hands.