Getting arrested for a domestic violence crime in Stamford, Greenwich or Darien can sometimes feel like being thrown into a snake pit. While the State of Connecticut’s domestic violence response protocols are well-intentioned to protect family members and intimate partners from harm and abuse, it can sometimes be too heavy-handed on the person suspected with domestic violence. Restraining orders are immediately put into place which can at times forbid you from returning home, seeing your children, or speaking with your spouse.
So how can you most effectively fight your Darien, Stamford or Greenwich domestic violence arrest for Disorderly Conduct or Assault? We’ve outlined three approaches that have been successful in prior cases. Click here to learn more…
Perhaps the two most frequently charged domestic violence crimes we see people arrested for in Stamford, Greenwich and Darien are Disorderly Conduct under CGS 53a-182 and Assault in the Third Degree under CGS 53a-61. These two charges usually stem from minor physical confrontations and altercations between spouses and loved ones. These charges cover the gamut of domestic violence scenarios—from bumping, shaking, grabbing, punching, and wrestling. If you are arrested in Stamford, Greenwich or Darien for Disorderly Conduct or Assault in the Third Degree and it involves a family member or loved one, then you will be ordered to court on the next business morning for your arraignment and a restraining order hearing. Your case will not be dropped or resolved on that first court appearance. Instead, you and your family will be screened for risk assessment and safety concerns, a restraining / protective order will be issued against you, and your case will likely be transferred to the domestic violence court docket. While there’s little time between your arrest and your first court date, it is always a good idea to consult with a Greenwich, Darien or Stamford domestic violence criminal lawyer to discuss your options and possibly fight the imposition of a restraining / protective order which could forbid you from either returning to your home or having contact with your family.
After your case is transferred to the domestic violence court docket, you will then have several options to consider in fighting your Connecticut domestic violence arrest. Remember every case is different, and as a result, the domestic violence prosecutors carefully consider many factors in working with you and/or your Connecticut criminal lawyer to resolve the case, and if appropriate, begin the family healing process. Many times cases can be resolved in three different ways: private anger management and family counseling, the Family Violence Education Program, or taking your case to trial.
In some Connecticut domestic violence cases that do not involve serious allegations of physical violence, an option to engage in private anger management / domestic violence counseling can sometimes be made available to you. This option works well for people arrested for domestic violence in Stamford, Greenwich and Darien who have busy work travel schedules and can fit these therapy sessions into their schedules. It can also be expensive, however, so it is critical that you make sure the treatment plan and therapist is approved of in advance by the court officials and social workers handling your case.
This option allows for certain people arrested for domestic violence in Stamford, Greenwich or Darien to participate in a court diversionary program which provides group counseling classes. If you successfully complete these classes and you are not arrested for another Connecticut domestic violence crime, then your case will be dismissed.
One other way domestic violence cases can be resolved is taking your Stamford or Greenwich domestic violence arrest to trial. This alternative is not for everyone however, and is usually the option of last resort in domestic violence court because the mission of domestic violence court is usually to heal and rehabilitate families, not to proceed to trial which usually is a divisive alternative. Either way, the pros and cons should at the very least be considered and discussed with your top Stamford criminal lawyer.
Click here learn more about the Connecticut Domestic Violence arrest process. We understand it can be very stressful to have to deal with a domestic violence arrest case while at the same time manage and move forward with your job and family responsibilities. Let the Stamford domestic violence lawyers at Mark Sherman Law help guide you through your case. Our focus is on trying to get the best result for you and your family. So call us today at (203) 358-4700.