Fairfield Protective Order Lawyer

If you have found yourself subject to a protective order or suspect you will have one imposed against you soon, understanding exactly what your order says and how the court will enforce it is vital to protecting your rights. From initial negotiations with court authorities to resolving allegations of order violations, a criminal defense attorney with years of experience handling these situations is an important ally to have on your side. Contact our Fairfield protective order lawyers today.

When Do Fairfield Courts Issue Protective Orders?

In Connecticut, protective orders are notably distinct from restraining orders and are generally meant for different situations. A restraining order is something that a person seeking court protection must apply for on their own and which can be imposed against anyone who may pose an imminent threat of physical harm to the applicant and/or their family. Only a court can issue protective orders in response to a criminal charge categorized as “family violence,” such as threatening, harassing, or otherwise harming a family or household member.

If the court feels it is appropriate, they can establish a protective order during initial arraignment proceedings following a family violence arrest. This means an order can sometimes be put in place within 24 hours of the initiating incident. The order will then remain in effect until the conclusion of the associated criminal case. At that point, the court may extend the order into a standing criminal protective order based on a conviction or allow the order to expire.

In situations where a defendant has been convicted of violating a previously established protective order or has a history of family violence, a court may issue a standing criminal protective order from the beginning of legal proceedings. This order could last up to 50 years at the court’s discretion. A Fairfield protective order attorney can explain how courts approach this in more detail during a confidential consultation.

What Are the Common Types of Protective Orders?

There are three kinds of protective orders that Connecticut courts may impose against someone accused of family violence, each of which is meant for charges of different perceived levels of severity. The least restrictive type of order is a “partial” or “limited” protective order, which generally only requires a defendant to refrain from any further harassment of or violent conduct towards the protected party or parties for the duration of their prosecution.

In more serious situations, the court may issue a “residential stay-away” protective order against a defendant, which would typically forbid them from entering the protected party’s residence or workspace. Finally, the most restrictive kind of protective order is a “full no contact” order, which prohibits all forms of communication between the defendant and the protected party, including communication initiated by the protected party. A seasoned attorney can provide more information about different types of protective orders in Fairfield.

Let a Fairfield Protective Orders Attorney Help

Connecticut courts enforce protective orders strictly and can impose felony-level criminal consequences against anyone who violates one. That said, you have rights as a defendant, and a Fairfield protective order lawyer’s assistance is key to enforcing those rights and minimizing the impact such an order has on your life. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, and click here to read what our previous clients have said about working with us.