Fairfield Disorderly Conduct Arrest Lawyer
Allegations of disorderly conduct are one of the most common justifications that Connecticut law enforcement authorities use to arrest someone. Unfortunately, it is one of the most deceptively difficult offenses to contest effectively in court without a seasoned defense attorney. If you have been arrested or given a citation for this sort of charge, representation from a Fairfield disorderly conduct arrest lawyer can make a substantial difference in obtaining a favorable result for your case.
What are the Impacts of a Disorderly Conduct Arrest?
On the surface, a disorderly conduct arrest might not seem like a particularly big deal. Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-182 defines this offense as a Class C misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalties a defendant could face are $500 in fines and, in some cases, a three-month jail term.
However, even a minor charge such as this will still stay on a convicted person’s criminal record, potentially limiting their personal and professional prospects moving forward. Things can get more serious if a disorderly conduct arrest is categorized as “family violence.” These cases are vastly expedited and often require the arrested person to appear for arraignment within 24 hours of their arrest.
At this initial hearing, the court may issue a protective order against the defendant that could limit where they are allowed to live and work before they are convicted or even have a chance to defend themselves in court. Additionally, as an experienced attorney could explain, a disorderly conduct arrest in Fairfield may give the Department of Children and Families (DCF) a reason to start an investigation into the defendant’s home life. These investigations could have life-altering repercussions with or without a subsequent criminal conviction.
How Does Someone Fight Disorderly Conduct Allegations?
Another element of disorderly conduct arrests that makes them uniquely challenging to handle proactively is that disorderly conduct can mean many different things. C.G.S. § 53a-182 lists several specific actions which count as disorderly conduct, such as disturbing a lawful gathering or fighting in public. However, it also redundantly defines the charge as interfering with or annoying another person “by offensive or disorderly conduct,” essentially giving police officers the authority to decide on their own what does or does not count as a crime worth arresting someone over.
Because of this, collecting and effectively presenting evidence that things did not play out as an arresting officer recalled can be a big part of constructing a strong defense following a disorderly conduct arrest. Depending on the situation, this could mean:
- Resolving the underlying dispute with a family or household member;
- Soliciting testimony from witnesses to clarify what was happening; and/or
- Proving that the defendant’s actions were not perceived as aggressive or disruptive by the person allegedly disturbed by them.
Support from a qualified disorderly conduct arrest attorney in Fairfield can be vital to accomplishing this in an efficient way.
Seek Help from a Fairfield Disorderly Conduct Arrest Attorney
Being arrested for alleged disorderly conduct can lead to a host of legal, professional, and interpersonal problems, all of which can be challenging for anyone to resolve by themselves. Fortunately, you have assistance available to you from experienced legal professionals who have helped many people in situations much like yours achieve favorable case resolutions.
Speaking with a Fairfield disorderly conduct arrest lawyer can give you the answers you need to proactively seek the best possible legal outcome in your situation. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, and click here to read what past clients have to say about working with us.