Yale Protective Order Lawyer
After an arrest for domestic violence, you should speak with a Yale protective order lawyer as soon as possible. These orders carry the full authority of the Connecticut judicial system behind them and trying to modify or contest an order without support from a knowledgeable defense attorney is almost always a recipe for disaster.
When Do Courts Issue Protective Orders?
The imposition of a protective order is a very serious matter in Connecticut, regardless of the circumstances that led to it being issued. Anyone who violates any term of such an order may find themselves facing felony-level criminal consequences, even if they were not convicted or even formally charged with any other offense prior to the order being put in place.
In Connecticut, protective orders are distinct from restraining orders in that they do not require anyone to specifically apply for the order or request that one be established. Instead, courts have the authority to impose protective orders against individuals arrested for crimes that are classified at the time as domestic violence, meaning that they allegedly involved someone threatening or causing physical harm to a member of their family or household.
What Happens If I Violate a Protective Order?
Anyone who violates the terms of a protective order could be charged with a Class D or Class C felony offense under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-223 depending on the nature of the violation. In light of all this, retaining a knowledgeable Yale protective order attorney as soon as possible after a domestic violence arrest is very often crucial to protecting a defendant’s rights.
What are Common Types of Protective Orders?
Depending on the underlying offense that warranted a protective order hearing, a judge may choose to include various different terms in the order they ultimately issue. For minor offenses and other situations that the judge considers to be low-risk, they may only issue a “limited” or “partial” order that prohibits any further harassment of the protected party but otherwise does not limit a defendant’s personal rights and freedom.
More restrictive is a “residential stay-away” order, which prohibits a defendant from entering the protected party’s home or workplace for any reason, which may require the defendant to find alternative living arrangements while their case is ongoing. Finally, and most restrictive is the “Full no-contact” order. These orders make it illegal for a defendant to contact the protected party in any way, including through phone calls, emails, or online messages. Anyone facing a protective order should be quick to speak with a Yale lawyer to ensure their personal freedoms are not impacted.
Talk to a Yale Protective Order Attorney Right Away
Understanding and complying with protective orders can be deceptively difficult, especially if you have never been subject to one before. Guidance from seasoned legal counsel can prove essential to enforcing your rights in a situation like this, and in the event of an accidental breach of an order, potentially avoiding serious legal trouble.
A Yale protective order lawyer, like the Avvo 5-star reviewed ones at Mark Sherman Law, could explain your options in detail over the course of a confidential consultation. Schedule yours by calling today.