Connecticut Disorderly Conduct Investigations
Collection and preservation of evidence are critical steps in any Connecticut disorderly conduct investigation. While the prosecutors and police will certainly be investigating, a dedicated and skilled defense attorney could begin an investigation for evidence to rebut the allegations made against you.
What Type of Evidence Can Be Uncovered in a Disorderly Conduct Investigation?
People often think of evidence in a criminal investigation as physical objects found at the scene of an alleged crime, such as a weapon with fingerprints. However, evidence in Connecticut disorderly conduct investigations is likely to be much different. Evidence can include, amongst other things, witness statements, security camera footage, text messages and phone records.
How Are Witnesses Involved?
Witness accounts of an incident often prove to be valuable evidence. A witness statement may corroborate or contradict other versions of what happened in a situation. Information from a witness may also indicate whether the person accused of disorderly conduct acted intentionally or recklessly. Therefore, police and defense lawyers may look for witnesses who observed an incident or who can speak to relevant behavior either before or after an incident.
Other types of evidence uncovered during an investigation can include audio or video recordings. It is wise to act quickly to protect these recordings before they are erased or corrupted. Written evidence such as text messages, social media posts, and emails may also prove valuable in an investigation.
What Should I Avoid during a Criminal Investigation?
The Connecticut criminal justice system provides safeguards to protect the rights of those accused of any crime, including disorderly conduct. However, individuals may inadvertently forfeit their rights, losing this valuable protection. For instance, someone may consent to a search or to answerquestions without consulting an attorney. While people often try to cooperate to create a favorable impression, information may be used against them later. Having a lawyer present can prevent many of these types of problems.
How Are Disorderly Conduct Charges Connected to Domestic Charges?
Disorderly conduct charges frequently stem from domestic disputes. If so, it is important to learn whether any protective orders have been put into place and how to comply with those orders. Violation of any type of protective order is a separate felony offense.
What is the Purpose of Investigations by the State?
Investigations into disorderly conduct allegations is aimed at collecting evidence that can be later used by the prosecution to prove their case. What is the definition of disorderly conduct?
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-182 defines seven different forms of conduct that may be prosecuted as disorderly conduct. Individuals may be convicted of disorderly conduct for:
- Blocking traffic
- Congregating with others and refusing to leave
- Being too loud
- Annoying someone with offensive conduct
- Fighting or participating in other tumultuous behavior
- “Peeping Tom” actions involving trespass
- Interrupting a public event
The statute states that someone must act recklessly or with deliberate intent to annoy, harass, or alarm others. Therefore, evidence showing the reason for an accused individual’s actions could be critical during an investigation.
More Information About Connecticut Disorderly Conduct Investigations
To learn more about what to expect during Connecticut disorderly conduct investigations, it can be helpful to talk to an attorney who has assisted in protecting and defending others accused of this offense. Let an attorney at Mark Sherman Law help you today.