What Happens During a First Offense Domestic Violence Arrest in Connecticut?

What You Need to Know if You are Arrested for Domestic Violence in CT

• In Connecticut, “domestic violence” includes many different crimes.
• You can be arrested for domestic violence by a ticket/summons or formal arrest.
• If you’re arrested for domestic violence in CT, you will have to appear in court.

• If you’re facing a first-time domestic violence arrest in Connecticut, contact a top criminal defense lawyer for help.

How to Fight Connecticut Domestic Violence Cases

Connecticut police officers, prosecutors, and judges take domestic violence arrests very seriously. If you’re arrested for domestic violence, you can expect to appear in court, be issued a protective order, and potentially be ordered to attend treatment – all on the first court date. It’s more important than ever to make sure you have a top criminal attorney by your side from the very beginning.

What is Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

Domestic violence in Connecticut isn’t a single criminal charge but instead refers to a group of different crimes that are considered domestic violence when the other person is your significant other, close family member, or roommate. Common domestic violence arrests in Connecticut are for Disorderly Conduct and Assault in the Third Degree.  

Will I have to go to Court for a Domestic Violence Arrest?

Yes. Whether you are just handed a domestic violence misdemeanor or formally handcuffed and booked, you’re now facing criminal charges. Domestic violence arrests in Connecticut require you to appear in court on the next business day for your arraignment. After that, you can expect to be required to appear in court again monthly until your case resolves.

What Happens at my First Domestic Violence Court Date?

When you get to Court, you’ll be interviewed by a Family Relations Officer, who will want to know your entire history and will interrogate you about the allegations. This person works for the judge and nothing you tell them is confidential. Keep in mind that your attorney should accompany you to this interview and make sure that you don’t unintentionally incriminate yourself.

What Happens During a Domestic Violence Arraignment?  

After you see Family Relations, you’ll have to appear in front of a judge, who will issue a protective order and may order you to attend treatment. For example, if the police report claims you were intoxicated or had been drinking, the judge may tell you to attend substance abuse treatment at a Court-monitored treatment facility. An attorney can help push back against these orders and in some cases, can request a hearing to be held within 14 days to challenge the validity of the protective order.

 What is a Protective Order in Domestic Violence Cases? 

A protective order limits contact with the other person in your case. The most limited order prevents you from assaulting, threatening, harassing, or interfering with the person. But, the highest order can prevent you from contacting and going to the protected person’s home – even if you live there too.  For more on the different types of protective orders in Connecticut, click here. 

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

The penalties for domestic violence arrests depend on the charge. However, any crime in Connecticut exposes you to potential jail, a period of probation, and fines. More than that, even if you never plead guilty, you’ll have to deal with a protective order and treatment. Additionally, if your kids were involved in the situation, the Department of Children and Families may open an investigation against to. To learn more about DCF investigations, click here. Because a domestic violence arrest can be so disruptive to your life, it’s always a good idea to get an attorney from the start.

Call an Experienced Connecticut Domestic Violence Attorney Today

If you were arrested or received a misdemeanor complaint for domestic violence in Connecticut, make sure you get experienced representation from the very beginning.  Find a team of lawyers who regularly defend clients against domestic violence charges.  You can check out hundreds of reviews from past clients at Avvo.com.  Then give us a call.