Do I Need a Lawyer in Connecticut Criminal Court as a Victim of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is not a singular crime, but rather a classification of a group of crimes.
Though many people think domestic violence only involves couples, it can involve any household or family member.

Victims of domestic violence have certain rights they can enforce.
If you think you’ve been a victim of domestic violence, call a top attorney in your community.

What Makes a Crime Domestic Violence?

Domestic or “family” violence crimes are those involving physical harm, injury, or threats of violence toward family or household members. The types of acts labeled as family violence seem obvious. Who exactly is considered “family” for the purposes of Connecticut law? In Connecticut, individuals are considered “family” if they are spouses or former spouses, parents or children, those related by blood or marriage, people who live together, and people that are or did see one another romantically (dated). C.G.S. § 46b-38a.

Common Domestic Violence Crimes

Oftentimes, domestic violence classifications are seen in connection with prosecutions for the following crimes, click the links to learn more:

Disorderly Conduct under CGS § 53a-182;
Risk of Injury to a Minor under CGS § 53-21;
Assault in the Third Degree under CGS § 53a-61;
Unlawful Restraint under CGS § 53a-96.

What Are My Rights as a Victim of Domestic Violence?

If you are a victim of a family violence crime, you have rights during any criminal case that follows. Among the most important, you have the right to be protected from the accused while the case is making its way through the criminal process. Connecticut Constitution Article XXIX(b).

What is a Protective Order and How Do They Work?

In cases involving family violence, the court can issue a temporary restraining order (also called a protective order) under C.G.S. § 46b-15. In order to issue a restraining order, the court needs to make a finding that there is a continuous threat to the victim based on the facts of the case. These orders can take three forms; a full no contact order, a residential stay away order, or a partial protective order (most to least restrictive).

Whether you are fighting to keep an order in place or get one lifted, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman have the expertise and experience to help.

Contact a Top Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer Today