Westport Disorderly Conduct Arrest Lawyer
Regardless of your specific situation, you should not go into court without assistance from a qualified criminal defense attorney. A Westport disorderly conduct arrest lawyer could help you understand why you were arrested, what the charges against you entail, and how you could best defend yourself from prosecution.
What is Disorderly Conduct?
Defined in Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-182, disorderly conduct can entail a number of different actions. Some qualifying actions are specifically named in the statute, such as blocking traffic, engaging in a fight, refusing to leave a group gathering when instructed by police to do so, and spying on someone while trespassing on their property.
However, C.G.S. §53a-182(a)(2) also allows a person to be arrested on disorderly conduct charges for any behavior that, in the eyes of a law enforcement officer, “annoys or interferes with another person.”
Fortunately, a knowledgeable Westport disorderly conduct arrest attorney could work on a defendant’s behalf to find and preserve helpful evidence and contest the prosecution’s case.
What Happens if Disorderly Conduct Is Considered Domestic Violence?
Certain criminal offenses codified under Connecticut state law may be considered domestic violence offenses under specific circumstances. If a person commits an act of disorderly conduct against their spouse, relationship partner, family member, housemate, or roommate, they may be charged with domestic violence disorderly conduct.
An offense being designated as domestic violence does not necessarily mean that penalties upon conviction will be more severe. However, anyone accused of domestic violence may have to deal with a number of additional hearings and sanctions, including a protective order being taken out against them, potential investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and potential problems in the future living and working in certain areas and fields.
In addition to straight criminal charges, a skilled disorderly conduct arrest lawyer in Westport should also be able to help with the implications of a domestic violence arrest. It is particularly important to secure legal counsel quickly when facing such charges, though, since domestic violence cases often proceed extremely fast after an initial arrest.
Can I Go to Jail for Disorderly Conduct?
If a disorderly conduct case ends with a conviction, you may face jail time. This class C misdemeanor can carry up to three months in jail and up to a $500 fine. However, a skilled defense lawyer can help make sure you uncover every stone to get the best outcome possible.
Further consideration must be made if you are subject to a protective order, for violation will lead to a separate and additional felony offense. To learn more about fighting violation of protective order cases, click here. A local Westport disorder conduct arrest attorney could assess the details of your case and the consequences of an arrest.
Get in Touch with a Westport Disorderly Conduct Arrest Attorney Today
Even though it is a misdemeanor offense, avoiding a conviction for disorderly conduct can still be crucial to preserving your personal and professional future. As soon as you are arrested for any variety of disorderly conduct, your first move should be to contact a Westport disorderly conduct arrest lawyer and start discussing your legal options today. To learn more, read out certified reviews here and then contact the offices of Mark Sherman Law for help.