Norwalk Assault on an Officer Lawyer
Police can be quick to arrest you in Norwalk Connecticut for assault on a police officer in situations where the individual is simply acting in self-defense. In an emotionally-charged confrontation, it is natural to react to physical force by pushing back. Unfortunately, that immediate reaction can result in an assault charge that is prosecuted as a felony.
So if you have been charged with assault on a police officer in Norwalk, then it is critical to work with any of the criminal attorneys lawyers in Norwalk Connecticut who understand the best defenses to this complicated felony crime. When you contact a top Norwalk Connecticut criminal lawyer attorney, you can sit with them to understand your rights, defenses and options in filing evidence preservation motions that can save you from a permanent criminal record.
Types of Police & Peace Officers Involved
Although the offense is often referred to as “assault on a police officer,” the Connecticut statute that comes into play is used in instances involving other first responders as well. The title of the section refers to “public safety, emergency medical, public transit or health care personnel.”
Courts have interpreted this to include:
- Police or state troopers
- Emergency medical technicians, doctors and others
- Motor vehicle inspectors
- Department of Corrections officers
- Firefighters
- Probation officers
- State social workers and investigators
Types of Injuries that Trigger a Norwalk Assault on Police Officer Arrest
Most cases involving assault on a police officer in Norwalk are charged under §53a-167c of the Connecticut code. This statute makes it a felony offense to cause physical injury to an officer or throw certain dangerous or offensive materials at an officer while the officer is attempting to perform official duties with the intent to prevent the officer from performing those duties.
How do Police Define Physical Injury?
It is important to note that unlike some of Connecticut’s felony assault statutes, CGS § 53a-176c does not require the injury to be serious. In fact, in many instances, the officer may have little or no evidence of a physical injury. All that required is for “pain” to be suffered by Norwalk police. The key distinction between this offense and the less serious offense of “interfering with an officer” is your intent to interfere and the presence of any physical injury.
Filing Motions for Preserving Evidence Immediately
In cases involving an alleged assault on a police officer, sometimes the most valuable evidence is often found on surveillance camera recordings from cameras installed on the street, in businesses, on police bodycams, or police car dashboard cams. In certain cases, it is crucial to ensure that such evidence is preserved and made available for the court, because video footage is impartial and considered highly reliable. Other potentially valuable evidence includes statements from eyewitnesses and medical records of any treatment sought by the officer involved.
Contact an Experienced Norwalk Assault Attorney Today
The sooner you begin working with an experienced Norwalk assault criminal lawyer, the sooner your legal team can start working to locate and preserve evidence vital to your case. Your attorney will help identify and interview key witnesses, file motions to preserve surveillance records, and help ensure your case is investigated fully in order to build the best possible defense. Contact our office now to get our experience working for you.