Foxwoods Casino Restraining Order Lawyer
Because the Foxwoods Casino is in the Mashantucket Pequot Nation, many people believe that state law does not apply on casino grounds. In reality, the opposite is true; tribal police enforce all state-level laws just as state police do elsewhere in Connecticut, including restraining orders established by family courts.
If you have been accused of violating your restraining order while at Foxwoods Casino, you may have a complicated legal case ahead of you. By retaining and working closely with a dedicated attorney who understands these unique circumstances, you could increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome for your case. To discuss Foxwoods Casino restraining orders with an attorney, contact our firm today.
Are Restraining Orders Enforceable on Tribal Lands?
The simple answer is yes, they are. There is substantial precedent within state law and in state court rulings establishing that Connecticut law can be enforced by both tribal police and state law enforcement. Therefore, any criminal offenses committed on tribal lands may be prosecuted by state courts.
Restraining orders are no exception—any such order established by Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 46a-15 or C.G.S. § 46b-38c is still valid on all tribal lands within state borders. This means restraining orders based on a valid Connecticut petition are enforceable at and around Foxwoods Casino. In addition, tribal police typically have the same access to statewide registries of protective and restraining orders that state law enforcement agencies have, meaning they can check on whether someone they arrest at Foxwoods Casino has an active restraining order against them.
What Are the Penalties Associated with Restraining Order Violations?
C.G.S. § 53a-223b establishes “criminal violation of a restraining order” as a felony offense in Connecticut. Notably, state law does not differentiate between intentional and accidental violations of restraining orders—so long as a defendant knew of the conditions imposed upon them by their restraining order, they may be arrested, prosecuted for, and convicted of violating that order.
If someone violates a restraining order at Foxwoods Casino by contacting a protected party or being in close physical proximity to a protected party or place, they have committed a class D felony offense. This behavior may be punishable by a maximum five-year sentence in prison plus a maximum $5,000 fine. However, if this violation involves any restriction of a protected person’s liberty, or involves the defendant molesting, assaulting, threatening, harassing, or sexually assaulting a protected party, the offense becomes aggravated. The violation becomes a class C felony, which allows for a prison term upon conviction of one to 10 years in length and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Speak with a Skilled Attorney About Foxwoods Casino Restraining Orders
No matter where you go in or around Connecticut, any restraining order imposed against you by a state court remains legally valid and enforceable. This reciprocity extends not only to other states, but also to tribal lands such as the ones that Foxwoods Casino was built upon.
If you have any issues or questions about your Connecticut restraining order, a qualified defense lawyer could provide the answers and legal guidance you may need. The highly rated attorneys at Mark Sherman Law are here to help, click here to check out our Avvo.com reviews. Call our firm today to discuss Foxwoods Casino restraining orders with an attorney.