UConn Restraining Order Lawyer

An experienced UConn restraining order lawyer can support you in dealing with a restraining order in a proactive and legally sound way by helping you understand exactly what your particular order requires, minimize the risk of you facing additional consequences in family or criminal court, and possibly even help you negotiate for more favorable terms that more closely fit your unique situation.

How Are Restraining Orders Different from Protective Orders?

Restraining orders are distinct from protective orders in Connecticut in a few crucial ways. Most notably, protective orders are always issued specifically in response to a criminal proceeding—namely, either an arrest or a conviction for a domestic violence crime. On the other hand, courts may issue restraining orders with or without a related criminal offense.

Individuals who believe they are at risk of imminent physical harm from someone can fill out a series of forms and submit them to the clerk’s office at their nearest family court as a formal petition for a temporary restraining order. In most cases, the applicant must also arrange for a State Marshal to “serve” copies of these documents to the person they intend to have restrained by the order.

After a hearing, which will take place shortly after the application is made (typically within 2 weeks), a judge may issue a restraining order with terms of varying severity based on the evidence and testimony presented by all parties at the hearing. As a UConn restraining order attorney could explain, these terms could be as simple as a blanket prohibition on any further harassment or abuse of the protected party or parties by the person subject to the order, or they could impose restrictions on where the defendant can go, how close they can physically be to the protected party, and even whether they can contact the protected party in any way.

What are the Potential Consequences of a Restraining Order Violation?

No matter what specific terms a particular restraining order has, those terms carry the weight and authority of the Connecticut court system for the entire duration of the order. Anyone who violates a restraining order in any way, even accidentally, may be subject to criminal prosecution and extremely harsh penalties if they are convicted.

Specifically, under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S) §53a-223b, a person who breaches a restraining order, in any way, could be prosecuted for a class D felony offense, or a class C felony offense if their violation involves them threatening, assaulting, or otherwise infringing physically on the protected party’s person or liberty. Support from a seasoned restraining order lawyer can be essential to dealing with this kind of situation effectively at UConn.

Contact a UConn Restraining Order Attorney Today

A restraining order can place substantial restrictions on you in both your personal and professional life, and any violation of such an order, however unintentional, could lead to extremely severe criminal consequences. Fortunately, guidance is available from the UConn restraining order lawyers at Mark Sherman Law, who can discuss the options available in your specific situation during a private initial meeting. Call today to schedule yours, and click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com.