New Canaan Domestic Violence Arrests and Penalties
New Canaan domestic violence arrests and penalties encompass a wide range of punitive measures. Most include a term of imprisonment and a substantial fine. In addition, extra consequences such as reporting requirements and Department of Children & Families (DCF) investigations may also come into play.
Most crimes in Connecticut are defined as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are the least serious, although most of these crimes may still be punished by a term of imprisonment. Felonies include crimes with lengthy prison sentences and very heavy fines.
As many experienced domestic violence attorneys know, each of these two types are further divided into classifications based on the severity of the offense. Class A crimes are the most serious and Class D or lower are the least serious.
Jail Sentences for Family Violence Arrests
For felony crimes in Connecticut, of the criminal code sets forth the maximum terms of imprisonment for each level of offense. For Class D felonies, an offender may be sentenced to up five years in prison. Class C felonies carry a maximum of ten years.
Maximum sentences for class A and B vary somewhat depending on the offense, but for most Class B felonies, the basic sentence can go as high as 20 years and for most Class A felonies, the sentence range is 10 to 60 years.
In relation to New Canaan domestic violence arrests and penalties, misdemeanor sentences are considerably shorter. Those convicted of a Class A misdemeanor may face up to a year of imprisonment. The maximum sentence for Class B misdemeanors is six months, the maximum for Class C is three months, and the maximum for Class D is one month.
Fines for Domestic Violence Arrests
In New Canaan, fines may be imposed in addition to or in lieu of a term of imprisonment for domestic violence unless a minimum term of incarceration is required. For felony and misdemeanor offenses, the following maximums apply:
- Class A felony: $20,000
- Class B felony: $15,000
- Class C felony: $10,000
- Class D felony: $5,000
- Class A misdemeanor: $2,000
- Class B misdemeanor: $1,000
- Class C misdemeanor: $500
- Class D misdemeanor: $250
Classifying Domestic Violence Arrests and Penalties
Domestic violence or family violence covers a wide range of different crimes that occur among individuals with a family relationship, roommates, or dating relationship. Those relationships may be current or in the past. Because a number of varied offenses can be considered crimes of domestic violence, it is difficult to list all of the possibilities. However, some of the more common New Canaan Connecticut domestic violence arrests and their classifications are broke down by class A, B, C or D misdemeanors and felonies.
Second-degree stalking, third-degree assault, assault causing termination of a pregnancy and first-degree reckless endangerment charges are class A felony offenses. Disorderly conduct and harassment in the second degree are considered class C misdemeanors. Depending on the location, a second-degree offense for threatening is considered a class D felony or a class A misdemeanor.
Class D felonies include first-degree harassment, stalking, and violation of a criminal protective order or civil restraining order. Third-degree stalking and Electronic Stalking and reckless endangerment in the second-degree are both class B misdemeanors. A first-degree assault charge is a class B felony offense. First-degree threatening charges could be class C or D felonies depending on location. Depending on the severity of the injury, second-degree assault could be class C or D felonies.
Speak with a New Canaan Attorney About Domestic Violence Arrests and Penalties
Because so many different crimes are potentially involved and because the range of penalties varies greatly depending on circumstances, when trying to make sense of your New Canaan domestic violence arrest and understand the penalties, it is helpful to speak with someone a distinguished attorney who has a good understanding of how courts have applied the statutes in various situations. Call today to learn more.