Darien Domestic Violence Lawyer

The home environment can sometimes be charged with emotion. Tensions over money and strained relationships coupled with the stress of everyday living can turn an ordinary argument into a serious situation. Not only can that situation have significant consequences, but it can be confusing to know just what to do.

Anyone charged with a crime involving family violence should contact an experienced Darien domestic violence lawyer to navigate through the process and work toward the best possible outcome. An experienced domestic violence attorney can help build a strong defense and ensure your rights are protected, call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Connecticut Law describes family violence as an incident between family or household members resulting in physical harm, bodily injury or assault, or an act of threatened violence that constitutes fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault. Such incidents include stalking or a pattern of threatening behavior.

It is important to note that the law says verbal statements do not constitute family violence without present danger and the likelihood of physical violence. Family violence is not a separate crime unto itself, but instead covers a range of crimes involving physical violence or the threat of physical violence within a family or household. Examples of offenses that can be considered family violence include:

Each of these offenses have varying degrees of severity and most can be classified as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the circumstances. The nature of the relationship between the parties is what determines what is classified as family violence. An experienced Darien domestic violence attorney can best help an individual understand their specific charges and how to move forward, especially in sensitive cases such as DCF cases and cases involving risk of injury to minors.

Relationships Defined in Family Violence Law

While domestic violence law in Darien covers relationships between spouses, it covers a number of other relationships as well. Although many kinds of relationships are described, a seasoned domestic violence lawyer in Darien will have experience in handling all types of family violence law cases. In addition to husbands and wives, the following are considered family or household members under the state statute:

  • Divorced or separated spouses
  • Parents or their children
  • Other individuals related by blood or marriage
  • Individuals who live together, or have lived together in the past
  • Individuals who have had a child together even if they have never lived together
  • Couples who are dating or who used to date one another

Can The Police Arrest Me If There Is An Accusation of Domestic Violence? 

Because so much public focus has been placed on domestic violence issues, there are certain factors that do not play a part in other criminal cases.  For instance, Connecticut law has instituted family violence response and intervention units who prepare reports for courts that affect a court’s ruling in a particular case. When police are called to a scene suspected to involve family violence, they are required to fill out a family violence offense report even if they do not make an arrest.

Additionally, even if no arrest is made, if one party fears violence from another party, they can ask the court for a civil restraining order prohibiting certain behavior. The prosecution may also seek a criminal protective order with similar prohibitions, and any violation of that order becomes a separate crime.

Benefits of a Lawyer

Anyone charged with a criminal offense involving Connecticut’s family violence statutes needs an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the laws and available defenses, the procedures and timing issues, and the local systems of investigation and reporting. An experienced Darien domestic violence lawyer can provide guidance as to the best way to proceed based on an evaluation of the circumstances involved. If you have been charged with a family violence offense, be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Client Review

Title: Professional and Informative

Title:
N/A Connecticut Domestic Violence Information Center 29 Fifth Street, Suite 2
Stamford
CT 06905
Phone: (203) 276-9443

Mark is a professional attorney. He listens to you very well and speaks only a few words. He has had a meaningful impact. He promises only what he can do and makes every effort to lay out the facts on what could be done and what cannot be done. My case was dismissed within a logical time frame.

Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars
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