Milford Domestic Violence Investigations
Because of how broad the Connecticut penal code’s definition of “family violence” is, there are many different scenarios where a dispute with a family member or anyone else with whom you share a household could lead to criminal charges being filed against you. In some instances, before an arrest is made, there will be some form of investigation into the matter by law enforcement to figure out exactly what happened and who may—or may not—hold criminal liability for it.
Milford domestic violence investigations are not guaranteed to end with criminal charges being filed, but at the same time, law enforcement may not be the only party investigating you in relation to this sort of offense. Put simply, this is a complicated position to be in and it is not something you should try handling without a seasoned domestic violence defense lawyer by your side.
What Will Police Look for During a Criminal Domestic Violence Investigation?
It is not uncommon for police officers to arrest someone for an alleged “family violence” offense at the scene of a domestic disturbance based on their own interpretation of the situation and then investigate further once everyone involved is safe from further harm. Sometimes, though, police will receive a report of domestic violence after it allegedly occurs, in which case they may conduct an investigation prior to making any kind of arrest.
Either way, the purpose of a domestic violence investigation in Milford is to establish “probable cause” that someone violated the Connecticut penal code and that the crime in question constituted “family violence” because it targeted a household or family member of the alleged perpetrator. In addition to interviews with everyone supposedly involved in a domestic violence incident, investigators may also speak with healthcare providers for someone allegedly injured through the incident, check surveillance video or photos of the altercation, and get statements from witnesses who were not directly involved but who saw the altercation occur.
DCF Investigations Into “Family Violence”
If an alleged act of family violence targets a minor child or occurs while minor children are in the home where the act occurred, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) may open its own investigation into the matter. DCF domestic violence investigations in Milford do not work the same as criminal investigations, as their goal is not to determine whether someone broke the law but instead to determine whether there is any current or future risk of harm to children in the home of someone arrested for domestic violence.
DCF investigations can last up to 45 days once they begin, and they will proceed entirely separately from any related criminal proceedings. That means someone can have criminal charges for domestic violence dropped or dismissed but still face repercussions in family court due to evidence discovered during a DCF investigation.
A Milford Attorney Can Help Handle a Domestic Violence Investigation
It is essential to approach Milford domestic violence investigations as proactively and positively as possible. While investigators do not always find enough evidence to pursue criminal charges or further action in family court, a single poorly phrased statement or overly revealing answer to a leading question during an investigation could have serious consequences for you and your entire family.
Representation from capable legal counsel can make a world of difference in how smoothly this experience goes for you and your chances of getting a favorable resolution. Call Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a consultation, and click here to read some of the 300+ verified reviews we have received from satisfied previous clients on our Avvo.com profile.