Types of Protective Orders in Connecticut

The issuance of a protective order is almost always the first thing that happens after someone is arrested for domestic violence. In addition to offering guidance about the legal implications of your protective order, a domestic violence attorney could also help you pursue a positive case outcome in both courts.

What Are The Levels Of Protective Orders?

A protective order may implement very different restrictions on an individual defendant depending on their relationship with their alleged victim, the specific offense they allegedly committed, and what personal and occupational obligations they have. The best-case scenario for a protective order is usually a partial or limited order, which only requires a defendant not to further harass, molest, or assault the protected party or parties.

Other cases may justify a residential stay-away order in the eyes of the court, meaning that the defendant would have to avoid being in the same residence or workplace as the protected party for the duration of the order. This type of order can significantly inconvenience certain defendants, as it may force them to find another place to live on short notice and potentially on a permanent basis.

Finally, the most severe type of protective order in Connecticut is a full no-contact order, which requires the cessation of all contact between the defendant and the protected party or parties. Under this type of order, even a single text message or phone call could constitute a violation, possibly resulting in significant criminal penalties.

To learn more about these divisions of restraining order, click here.

What Is The Difference Between Ex Parte Versus Standing Criminal Protective Orders?

In the interest of protecting alleged victims of domestic violence from further harm, courts in Connecticut almost always move to institute a temporary protective order as soon as possible after someone is arrested on domestic violence charges. This order—known as an ex parte protective order—will be issued at the initial arraignment hearing that occurs on the next business morning following an arrest, and it lasts until the defendant’s criminal case concludes.

Once the ex parte protective order expires, the court may choose to issue a standing criminal protective order to replace it. As opposed to ex parte orders, which are expressly designed to be temporary, standing criminal protective orders last indefinitely and can only be modified or nullified by a subsequent court order.

Standing criminal protective orders are generally reserved for cases in which a defendant is convicted of a violent domestic offense like assault. However, this is not the only circumstances under which this type of protective order may be instituted in Connecticut, so it is generally wise for defendants to talk to a domestic violence attorney about what may happen in their case.

Call Today to Learn About Protective Orders in Connecticut Domestic Violence Cases

Protective orders can take numerous forms and impose many different restrictions on people accused or convicted of domestic violence, and many of those restrictions can significantly hinder your ability to lead a normal life.

An experienced domestic violence lawyer could answer any questions you have about the various types of protective orders in Connecticut. Read our certified reviews from avvo.com here, and then call the lawyers at Mark Sherman Law today at 203-358-4700 to learn more.