Norwalk Breach of Peace Arrest Lawyer
If you were arrested by Connecticut police following a domestic disturbance, one of the many criminal charges you might face in the aftermath is for breach of the peace. A Norwalk breach of peace arrest lawyer can vigorously defend your rights and interests, working every step of the way to a positive outcome.
How is Breach of Peace Defined Under State Law?
There are two degrees of breach of peace. First degree breach of peace is not commonly charged because it involves placing a nonfunctioning bomb imitation in a public place.
Breach of the peace in the second degree, on the other hand, is seen often. By Norwalk defense lawyers. This is often classified as a domestic violence offense if the alleged victim is a family member, household member, or relationship partner. According to C.G.S. §53a-181, any of the following actions may constitute criminal breach of peace:
- Fighting someone else or engaging in other violent or aggressive behavior in public
- Striking another person
- Threatening to commit a criminal offense against someone else’s person or property
- Posting offensive material depicting or regarding another person in a public place
- Making an obscene gesture or using obscene language in public
- Creating any other hazardous condition in a public place without license to do so
A Norwalk breach of peace arrest attorney could help anyone detained for this offense on invalid grounds contest their charges both in and out of court. To learn more about domestic violence arrests, click here.
What Are The Potential Consequences Of a Breach of Peace Conviction?
Second-degree breach of the peace is a class B misdemeanor, meaning that the maximum penalties a person could face for a conviction are six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. These maximum sanctions are rarely sentenced for first-time offenders, but defendants in Norwalk with prior criminal records may need to work with a breach of peace arrest lawyer to avoid significant criminal consequences.
Can a Domestic Violence Classification Change My Case?
Any offense designated as domestic violence in Connecticut generally has significant consequences for the defendant even before their trial begins.
At their initial arraignment hearing, a person accused of domestic violence breach of the peace may be subject to a temporary protective order, which—depending on the circumstances—may require them to change residences or cease all contact with their alleged victim until their trial concludes. Violation of this order is a separate criminal offense and should be avoided at all costs.
Further, any perceived threat to minor children that a domestic violence offense presents may also prompt an investigation from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. To learn more about DCF investigations, click here.
Work with a Norwalk Breach of Peace Arrest Attorney
Breach of peace can be a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the circumstances, but either way it is a serious charge that can have severe consequences upon conviction.
If you were arrested for allegedly breaching the peace, you should schedule a consultation with a Norwalk breach of peace arrest lawyer as soon as possible. Read reviews from Mark Sherman Law’s prior clients here and then give us a call to learn more about how we can help you.