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Yes, you should. Domestic violence is a very serious matter in Connecticut. 99% of the time, when the police are called for a domestic violence matter, an arrest is made. In other cases, if both you and the other party have exerted violence against each other, both of you could be arrested.
As soon as possible following your arrest, consult with a criminal defense attorney. Whether you’re married, living with a partner, in a same-sex relationship, or got into an altercation with another family member, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. It is never too early to protect yourself and start building a strong defense.
While a protective order won’t be automatic, it could be issued by the police after you’ve been arrested for domestic violence.
The protective order is intended to protect the alleged victim and will remain in effect until your court hearing date, typically the next day or on a Monday if you are arrested over the weekend. You’ll then go to court, where the protective order could be extended by the judge.
This depends on what the protective order says. Most protective orders will require no contact with your alleged victim. This will require you to leave the house and avoid calling, texting, or emailing the other person. If you want to modify the protective order, this must be done by filing a motion with the court and can not be done informally.
In one case I handled, both my client and I thought he understood the terms of the protective order. Unfortunately, his wife sent him an email, and he made the mistake of responding to it. He assumed that it was ok to respond if she reached out first, but this was not the case, and his wife told the police officer that he had unlawfully responded to her email.
No contact means no contact. You must abide very carefully and strictly by the order’s requirements, or else have it formally modified by a judge.
Attorney Steven Tomeo is an experienced, caring criminal defense attorney serving Connecticut. Since 1978, he’s helped clients just like you navigate domestic violence charges with skill, transparency, and a focus on a better, more stable future.
Have questions, or in need of legal representation? Reach out to Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC for an initial consultation today.
An arrest for domestic violence could impact your job if you work in certain fields, such as in a nursing home, school, or daycare center. This ultimately depends on the job, your employer, and whether your employer has established guidelines regarding employee arrests.
However, you may also qualify for and be offered a diversionary program. On completion of this program, the case against you will be dismissed, lessening the impact of your arrest on your career and future.
If your domestic violence charge results in a misdemeanor, you could be looking at up to 364 days in jail. A felony conviction could result in jail time of up to five years. If you assaulted someone over the age of 65 or someone who is infirm, a conviction will come with mandatory minimum sentences.
However, in Connecticut, we have the Family Violence Education Program. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence (whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony ) and are eligible, you can apply for this program. Typically, the protective order placed against you is extended for a specified period as you complete the program, which usually takes about one year.
While a judge will decide what type of classes you will have to complete, an anger management class is likely. There are also more intensive classes geared towards men, which could require attendance two or three times per week. Once you’ve completed the program, the protective order against you will likely be terminated, and the case against you could be dismissed.
It can be very difficult for clients who have a protective order slapped against them. This protective order could limit access to your family, home, children, and spouse. You have the right to come to court and ask for a hearing to determine whether the protective order was issued properly and meets all legal guidelines.
Other common hurdles include intense emotions and anxiety, and you may need the services of a counselor to help you through these challenges. You may be facing a worsening relationship with your children if they saw you hit your spouse, and the potential for divorce is always there.
I make sure to be patient with my clients and help them follow protective orders carefully. I also work hard to be proactive and resolve any issues that can be resolved quickly. I can help you seek counseling, marriage counseling, and help with a drug or alcohol problem. This can help you better understand what your triggers are so you can maintain calm, maintain sobriety, better handle your finances, and reduce stress overall.
I’ll wear many hats as I represent you, helping you achieve the best possible outcome both legally and personally.
For more information on domestic violence arrests in Connecticut, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (860) 963-7441 today.
Attorney Steven Tomeo is an experienced, caring criminal defense attorney serving Connecticut. Since 1978, he’s helped clients just like you navigate domestic violence charges with skill, transparency, and a focus on a better, more stable future.
Have questions, or in need of legal representation? Reach out to Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC for an initial consultation today.
