Milford Breach of Peace Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for breach of peace, a skilled Milford breach of peace attorney can work to analyze your situation and determine the best course of action in your case. With a top-ranked legal advocate on your side, you may be more likely to reach a favorable resolution to the charges against you.
What Causes Arrests for Milford First-Degree Breach of the Peace?
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-180aa, breach of the peace in the first degree occurs when a person places fake or non-functioning bombs, explosives, or hazardous substances in a public place where others are likely to discover them. A conviction for breach of the peace in the first degree requires evidence of either intent to bring about or reckless indifference to the risk of public harm, annoyance, and or disruption that their actions may cause.
Hazardous substances include those that are dangerous to human health, make people more likely to contract severe illnesses, or result in an increased risk of death. Therefore, if individuals intentionally leave fake pipe bombs on playgrounds or substances that look like hazardous substances in shopping malls, they could face arrests for Milford court for first-degree breach of the peace. A breach of peace lawyer in Milford can be vital in helping individuals oppose the charges that they are facing.
What Makes Up a Second-Degree Breach of the Peace Charge?
C.G.S. § 53a-181 sets forth the offense of second-degree breach of the peace. Individuals may commit this offense when they exhibit a broad range of behaviors. To be guilty of second-degree breach of the peace, however, individuals must intend to bring about or have reckless indifference to the risk that they would create an inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to others. For example, fighting or threatening others in public likely falls within this definition.
Likewise, displaying obscene or abusive materials, using obscene gestures, or using obscene language toward others in public can constitute a breach of the peace in the second degree. Whether these actions occur on a public sidewalk, inside a business open to the public, or in a public park, they could result in an arrest in Milford courts for a breach of the peace.
What Are Consequences for a Conviction?
Breach of the peace can be a felony or misdemeanor charge, depending on the circumstances. A second-degree breach of the peace charge is a Class B misdemeanor, whereas a first-degree breach of the peace charge is a Class D felony. Although the potential penalties for a Class D felony are far harsher than those for a Class B misdemeanor, the consequences of any criminal conviction can be severe and life altering.
A conviction for a Class D felony can lead to a maximum one-year jail sentence and a $5,000 fine. A felony conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can be damaging to the professional and personal futures of individuals.
A Class B misdemeanor conviction can result in a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. A breach of peace attorney in Milford may be able to build a strong defense to any level of breach of the peace charges and work toward a more positive outcome of the case.
Call a Milford Breach of Peace Attorney for Assistance
To avoid or reduce the possibility of these potential penalties, getting the advice of legal counsel may be wise. Reach out to the professionals at Mark Sherman Law today.