Darien Spousal Abuse Lawyer

Were you accused of domestic violence? You should consult a Darien spousal abuse lawyer for advice as soon as possible after allegations arise.

When Does Spousal Abuse Lead to Protective Orders?

Even if no criminal charges have been filed, those accused of spousal abuse may find themselves subject to the terms of a protective order. Individuals who believe they may be in danger can ask a court to issue a civil restraining order or civil protection order.

If police charge someone with a crime related to a domestic dispute, courts automatically issue a criminal protective order that remains in effect until the conclusion of the case.

To learn more about the various types of restraining orders courts may impose, click here.

What Constitutes a Protective Order Violation?

Something as simple as texting a goodnight message, posting on social media, or accidentally hitting the wrong button on a phone could violate the terms of a protective order. Regardless of whether an order is issued by a criminal or civil court, violation of any terms in the order is a separate felony offense.

It is essential to understand how to comply with the terms of any orders that may be in place. If a violation is alleged or suspected, it is a good idea to have a Darien spousal abuse lawyer address the issue to attempt to reduce the negative consequences.

To learn more about how to defend allegations of protective order violations, click here.

What is Family Violence in Darien, CT?

Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §46b-38a, family violence is defined as incidents that involve threatened violence or actual harm when these actions occur among household or family members, including:

Spouses
Former spouses
People who live together
People who used to live together
People who have had a child together
People currently dating
People in a dating relationship that has recently ended

Family violence is no specific crime, it encompasses many crimes committed by and against people in household and/or familial relationships.

What are the Penalties for Spousal Abuse?

Many different types of crimes could be treated as spousal abuse crimes, so the potential penalties vary tremendously. A crime such as third-degree stalking is a Class B misdemeanor with a maximum jail sentence of six months. At the opposite end of the spectrum, first-degree assault is a Class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Consult a Knowledgeable Darien Spousal Abuse Attorney

Just as with the potential penalties, there can be considerable variation in the terms of protective orders and other complicating factors in spousal abuse cases. If you have children, the Department of Children and Families may also open an investigation with the potential for further serious consequences.