Ridgefield Roommate Violence Lawyer

Assistance from a Ridgefield roommate violence lawyer can be vital in resolving charges of harassing, threatening, or physically harming someone you live with. No matter what specific criminal charges you are facing, guidance from a qualified domestic violence attorney could make all the difference.

Does Roommate Violence Count as Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is generally imagined to be someone engaging in violent behavior targeting their spouse or intimate partner, their child, or another direct relative by marriage or blood. In Connecticut, however, state courts classify any violent act against a family or household member as domestic violence, meaning that violence against a roommate may receive this designation even if there is no intimate or familial connection.

A roommate violence attorney could further explain that, in Ridgefield, an offense meeting these criteria can be considered domestic violence at the time of an arrest even if the parties involved are no longer roommates. Just as someone could be arrested for domestic violence when they assault or harass a former spouse or intimate partner, they could also be charged with it if they commit a criminal act targeting a former roommate or housemate.

What Are the Consequences of Violence Against a Housemate?

Having a criminal charge designated as “domestic violence” in Connecticut does not allow for enhanced criminal penalties upon conviction as it does in some other states. However, the sanctions associated with the underlying charge can still be severe, ranging from class C misdemeanor consequences for a disorderly conduct conviction to class B felony repercussions for first-degree assault. Some of these repercussions are mandatory and cannot be suspended under any circumstances.

Any person arrested on allegations of domestic violence will be made to appear in court for their first court date, the “arraignment,” on the next business day. This means things move quick with domestic violence cases, and the sooner you can call a lawyer the better.

The judge overseeing the hearing, will almost definitely place a protective order on you which can prevent you from contacting the other party, or even returning home if you still live with that person. If you are a gun owner, you will also be required to turn over all weapons and ammunition to the police department. To learn more, click here.

Violation of any such protective order is a separate felony charge, regardless of the classification of the underlying charge. A Ridgefield lawyer can explain your protective order to you to make sure you do not violate, and advocate for modifications of it if the restrictions are unnecessary.

Speak with a Ridgefield Roommate Violence Attorney About Legal Options

Violence against a housemate or roommate can make for uniquely complex legal proceedings, even if this is your first time facing any kind of legal action. In scenarios like this, support from a legal professional with a strong record of positive results in similar cases could be crucial to ensuring this incident does not ruin your life.

A conversation with a Ridgefield roommate violence lawyer can provide you the information you need to pursue the case resolution you want. Call Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a meeting.