Ridgefield Domestic Violence Lawyer
Those accused of domestic violence offenses have a right to representation by a dedicated and skilled attorney. A knowledgeable Ridgefield domestic violence lawyer could explain the charges, help you construct a strong defense strategy, and work to mitigate the consequences.
What Criminal Offenses Constitute Domestic Violence?
Instead of domestic violence being a unique criminal offense like it is in some other states, Connecticut General Statutes §46b-38h allows specific criminal offenses to be classified as domestic violence if they are committed against a family member or household member. This means that a criminal act targeting a spouse, a relationship partner, an immediate family member, or even a roommate or housemate could ostensibly count as domestic violence.
Many allegations of domestic violence revolve around some form of assault charge, but that is far from the only type of charge a Ridgefield attorney could help contest. Some of the other criminal offenses that commonly receive domestic violence designations in Connecticut include:
- Criminal threatening
- Reckless endangerment
- Strangulation
- Sexual assault
- Breach of the peace
- Stalking
- Disorderly conduct
- Harassment
Can I Go to Jail For Domestic Violence?
Many charges classified as domestic violence do carry the risk for lengthy jail sentences, fines, and probation. An offense being designated as domestic violence does not allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties for an ensuing conviction in state court. What it almost always does do, though, is start up a separate case in the nearest Superior Court, which will generally proceed at a much faster pace than the related criminal trial and may lead to equally life-altering consequences.
As soon as the day following someone’s domestic violence arrest in Ridgefield, they will be required to appear for a preliminary hearing with their attorney, during which the judge will often issue some form of protective order. Depending on the offense involved and the defendant’s prior history, this order could simply forbid any further harassment, require the defendant to live in separate housing from the protected party, or completely prohibit any contact whatsoever between the parties involved.
What Happens if I Violate the Protective Order?
This protective order will generally stay in place until the conclusion of the defendant’s criminal case, at which point a conviction might convince a judge to extend that protective order even further. A violation of a protective order, even if nonviolent in nature is a felony offense that brings additional penalties to the table and can extend the life of your case.
In addition to building a case defense for criminal court, a domestic violence attorney in Ridgefield could also provide crucial assistance mitigating the impact of protective orders, DCF investigations, loss of custody rights, and other such non-criminal sanctions.
Let A Ridgefield Domestic Violence Attorney Help Protect Your Future
Once retained, a Ridgefield domestic violence lawyer could work relentlessly on your behalf to fight the allegations against you and seek a favorable resolution to all aspects of your case. To learn more about how a dedicated attorney can help you, click here to read our hundreds of client reviews. Call today to learn more.