Building a Defense for Weston Domestic Violence Charges
When you face allegations of domestic violence, having competent legal assistance on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. When it comes to building a defense for domestic violence charges in Weston, you need an attorney that will fight for your rights and work to secure the most favorable results for your legal matter.
Domestic Violence Charges and Sentencing
Domestic violence, also known as family violence, encompasses a range of offenses and behaviors in the context of a family setting in which bodily harm or a severe fear of bodily harm is inflicted.
Domestic violence is not just intimate partner violence. According to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 46b-38a, the term “family violence” indicates a situation where an encounter between family members or individuals who live in the same household leads to harm or threat of harm. People included in the legal definition of a family or household member, regardless of their age, can include:
- Parents;
- Children;
- Spouses or former spouses;
- Persons related by blood or marriage;
- Persons who are cohabitating or have lived together;
- Parents with a child together, regardless of whether they ever married or lived together.
Domestic violence itself is not a charge in the state of Connecticut. Rather, the term refers to multiple offenses that can lead to various criminal charges depending on the circumstances involved and the alleged victims. Commonly charged domestic violence crimes in Weston that would require an aggressive defense include Stalking, Assault, Risk of Injury to a Minor, Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering With a 911 Call.
Domestic violence charges can lead to both misdemeanor and felony penalties, depending on the underlying incident. In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction for a domestic violence-related incident could see someone lose access to their family home and custody of their children, among other severe consequences. Moreover, a judge will impose a protective order against the accused and protecting the alleged targets of the domestic violence in question that will be issued at the first court appearance and will last throughout the pendency of the criminal case.
Potential Defenses in Domestic Violence Cases
There are numerous possible defenses an experienced attorney can use when seeking to minimize or eliminate a domestic violence charge in Weston. These can include, among other defenses, a lack of proof or demonstrating that an accident caused the injury in question.
Sometimes, a defense may arise from improper handling of evidence or a failure to follow certain procedural requirements by law enforcement agencies or the State. It may also be possible to prove that the situation at hand did not constitute family violence or that the circumstances did not meet the elements for the specific crime that is being alleged. To fully explore your options, contact our law firm as soon as possible. Our trusted team can help you determine the best path forward for your particular circumstances.
Call Today to Start Building a Defense for Domestic Violence Charges in Weston
Building a defense for domestic violence charges revolves around the unique facts and circumstances of your case. If you are found guilty of domestic violence, you could face severe consequences as part of your criminal conviction. In addition to incarceration and fines, you may lose other privileges such as access to your children and your home. Fortunately, there may be ways to prevent this.
Our attorneys will work diligently on your behalf. We are here to help you understand your best legal options on how to move forward, navigate the complexities of the court system, and build a case that reflects your concerns and interests. Call Mark Sherman Law now to speak with an attorney about the possibilities for your case, and click here to view our Avvo profile with over 300 certified reviews.