Difference Between Domestic Assault and Violence in Ridgefield
In popular culture, the terms “domestic violence” and “domestic assault” are sometimes used interchangeably. While there is certainly a lot of common ground between these two things, their actual legal definitions in the state of Connecticut are slightly different from each other, and understanding those differences could be key to protecting your rights and best interests if you have recently been accused of committing one or the other.
Below, you will find a brief overview of the difference between domestic assault and domestic violence in Ridgefield, as well as what impact that difference may have on legal proceedings arising from a domestic dispute. If you have further questions, though, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer since cases of this nature tend to move exceptionally quickly in the Nutmeg State compared to virtually all other types of criminal proceedings.
Understanding Criminal Assault Charges in Ridgefield
“Domestic Violence” is an umbrella term in Ridgefield and throughout Connecticut. It is not a specific statute, or law that can be broken. Domestic violence is essentially any criminal actions committed towards a family or household member. “Domestic Assault” is also not a specific statute, but instead describes assault charges levied following a physical altercation between family or household members.
There are three “degrees” of Assault charges defined under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §§ 53a-59 through 53a-61, two of which are classified as felonies and one of which is considered a misdemeanor. There are also statutes in this range that address Assault of specific types of people or committed in specific ways—for example, Assault of a pregnant person, or Assault using a firearm.” Regardless of the specific statute the charge is filed under, any act of Assault targeting a “household or family member” of the perpetrator may be categorized as “domestic assault” once charges are filed.
What Other Offenses Can Qualify as “Family Violence”?
As mentioned, Domestic Violence is an umbrella term and assault is far from the only criminal offense someone can commit against a current or former spouse or intimate partner, a relative by blood or marriage, or anyone else designated as a “household or family member” in C.G.S. §46b-38a. Other offenses that are often classified as “family violence” or “domestic violence” in Ridgefield include:
- Threatening;
- Reckless Endangerment;
- Sexual Assault;
- Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint, under certain circumstances;
- Trespassing;
- Breach of the Peace or Disorderly Conduct;
- Stalking;
- Harassment; and/or
- Interfering with an Emergency Call.
Violating the terms of a protective order, standing criminal protective order, civil protective order, or restraining order can also be treated as a form of “domestic violence,” if the defendant’s actions made their alleged target(s) experience actual or reasonable fear of physical harm.
A Ridgefield Attorney Could Help Handle Both Domestic Assault and Violence Allegations
If you’ve been arrested following an altercation with a family or household member, your charges are likely categorized as domestic violence and it is important for you to move quickly to gain legal counsel and defend your rights.
Assistance from our experienced domestic violence defense lawyers could be essential to effectively protecting and enforcing those rights. Call today to set up a consultation, or click here to read what past clients have said about us on our Avvo.com profile.