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    Milford Roommate Violence Lawyer

    Sharing a living space with someone else can occasionally be stressful, even under the best circumstances. However, “stressful” is hardly the word for an altercation with a housemate or roommate, which ends with the police being called. Not only could this sort of scenario lead to you facing criminal penalties, which may include steep fines and even jail or prison time, but it could also lead to you facing consequences in family court, even if there is no familial connection between anyone involved in your case.

    Needless to say, this can be a deceptively complex situation in both legal and personal terms, and it is not something you want to try managing without a skilled defense attorney on your side. By retaining and working closely with a Milford roommate violence lawyer from our team, you can more effectively enforce your rights while also protecting your best interests throughout your legal proceedings.

    Why Is Violence Against a Roommate Considered “Family Violence?”

    According to Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §46b-38a, “family violence” entails someone causing physical harm to, assaulting, or threatening violent conduct in such a way that it creates an imminent fear of harm in a “family or household member.” Importantly, this statute defines “family or household member” in this context as including not just spouses, intimate partners, children, co-parents, and relatives by blood or marriage but also anyone you currently reside with or previously resided within the same residence.

    It is worth emphasizing that not every criminal act allegedly targeting a housemate or roommate will be classified as “family violence,” and even if this designation is made, it does not allow a court to impose enhanced criminal sanctions on you following a conviction. However, being accused of a “family violence” offense against a roommate in Milford can substantially change how your case as a whole will proceed, making it even more important to have representation from a seasoned defense attorney throughout that case.

    Possible Consequences of a Roommate Violence Offense

    Designating a criminal offense as “family violence” significantly speeds up early court proceedings, to the point that you will likely be ordered to appear in court on the very next business day after your arrest. Additionally, a judge will likely issue a “protective order” against you during this initial hearing to prevent further violence, which may include terms forbidding you from returning to your shared living space or having any contact whatsoever with the alleged target(s) of your violent act(s).

    Finally, if there are any minor children in your residence during an act of violence against a roommate, your arrest may be used by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) as grounds to open an investigation into your home life. As a roommate violence lawyer in Milford can explain, “substantiation” of child abuse, neglect, or any other form of mistreatment through this investigation may lead to you facing additional sanctions in family court, potentially including the removal of the impacted child(ren) from the home.

    Contact a Milford Roommate Violence Attorney for Assistance

    Violence against a roommate can be criminally prosecuted in Connecticut just like violence against any other person could. Because roommate violence can additionally be prosecuted as “family violence,” cases built around this type of charge tend to be especially challenging for defendants to handle alone.

    Fortunately, you do not have to fight to enforce your rights alone if you seek help from a knowledgeable Milford roommate violence lawyer from Mark Sherman Law. Call today for a consultation, and read what past satisfied clients have said about us on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.