Fairfield Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you are facing allegations of family violence, it may be in your best interest to contact a Fairfield domestic violence lawyer for help. A top defense attorney could protect your interests and fight for a positive resolution to your criminal charges.
What is Domestic Violence in CT?
There is not a separate crime of domestic violence under Connecticut law. Instead, any criminal offense that results in physical injury or threats of imminent bodily harm to family or household members is considered family violence under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 46b-38a.
What are Common Domestic Violence Crimes?
Some of the most common crimes involved in domestic violence situations include assault, harassment, stalking, threatening, sexual assault, and disorderly conduct.
Who Counts as a Family or Household Member?
Family or household members include a broad range of persons, including:
- Spouses and former spouses
- Relatives, whether by blood or marriage
- Persons currently or formerly dating or living together
- Individuals who share a child, regardless of whether they ever were married or lived together
Crimes involving family violence can have serious repercussions that go beyond the standard penalties for the underlying offense. These collateral consequences can be harsh, so consulting a domestic violence attorney in Fairfield may be highly beneficial.
What Happens if I’m Arrested for Family Violence?
After an arrest for family violence, you must go to court the business day after your arrest. When you go, you will speak with a Family Relations officer about the incident that led to the arrest. These court officers will conduct an assessment, make recommendations to the court about the implementation of restraining orders, and refer individuals for further assessments or treatment if warranted.
The court then holds a hearing to determine the appropriate level of restraining or protective order, which may limit contact between the parties or remove the accused person from their family home. Additionally, the court may impose conditions of release, including orders to install a GPS monitoring device, undergo a mental health evaluation and counseling, or submit to random drug and alcohol testing. As a result, those arrested on domestic violence charges may be subject to strict limitations on where they can go, what they can do, and what kind of contact they can have with their family.
Since so many rights can be at stake a mere 24 hours following a family violence arrest, individuals in this situation may wish to consult a domestic violence attorney in Fairfield as quickly as possible.
Call a Fairfield Domestic Violence Attorney for Help
Any criminal charges that involve domestic or family violence can be damaging to your family life, your career, and your reputation in the community. Call Mark Sherman Law today to speak with a top Fairfield Domestic Violence lawyer and to begin working towards the best resolution of your case.