New Canaan Restraining Order Lawyer
Having a restraining order imposed against you for any reason is a serious matter, both in terms of its restrictions on you and the consequences you could face if you violate any of those restrictions. In addition to ensuring you understand all your rights and possible legal options, a New Canaan restraining order lawyer can help you build the strongest and most comprehensive argument possible to support your best interests.
How Restraining Orders Differ from Protective Orders
Restraining orders are similar to protective orders in Connecticut in that both are meant to protect people who may be harmed through violence from someone they are or were close to. However, they are different in how they are put in place and what terms they can include, as a New Canaan restraining order attorney can explain in more detail.
Restraining orders cannot independently be put in place by a court in response to domestic violence allegations the way that protective orders can be. Instead, a person seeking protection from the court from a current or former spouse, intimate partner, or another household member must apply for a restraining order. The court can then decide whether to establish the order based on the evidence presented by the applicant and sometimes by the party to be targeted by the order.
Restraining orders are also meant to last substantially longer than protective orders since the latter is intended to be in place only until a domestic violence criminal case is concluded. Additionally, restraining orders can set rules and guidelines for a broader range of issues than a standard protective order, as seasoned legal counsel can explain in more detail.
What Happens When Someone Violates a Restraining Order?
Like protective order violations, restraining order violations are considered felony offenses in Connecticut. As per Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-223b, someone who violates a restraining order’s terms in any way—whether intentionally or accidentally—may be prosecuted for a Class D felony and sentenced upon conviction to a maximum five-year prison term or $5,000 in fines.
Furthermore, anyone who violates a restraining order by threatening, assaulting, harassing, molesting, or restricting the personal liberty of a protected party may face penalties commensurate with a Class C felony. These include between one and ten years of imprisonment plus a maximum of $10,000 in fines. Assistance from a restraining order attorney in New Canaan is crucial to handling charges like this proactively and effectively.
Work with a New Canaan Restraining Order Attorney
When someone files for a restraining order against you, you can contest the order before it is formally implemented. However, it is much harder to get a restraining order modified once it has been established, so time is of the essence when it comes to enforcing your rights and protecting your best interests.
A New Canaan restraining order lawyer can provide the custom-tailored support you may need to resolve your unique situation in the best way possible, given the circumstances. Call Mark Sherman Law today for a free consultation, and click here to learn what our past clients have to say about working with us.