Norwalk Domestic Violence Arrest Lawyer

No matter the unique nature of your domestic violence arrest, it is a good idea to get in touch with a Norwalk domestic violence arrest lawyer as soon as possible. A top domestic violence lawyer can help you preserve your rights and fight the charges you are facing.

How Does the Connecticut Penal Code Define Domestic Violence Offenses?

According to Connecticut state law, a criminal offense may be classified as domestic violence if the alleged victim is a spouse, family member, or resident of the same domicile as the alleged perpetrator. Since behavior that constitutes domestic violence may occur in a variety of circumstances, there are numerous state statutes under which a domestic violence offense may be prosecuted.

Can Arguing Constitute Domestic Violence?

A verbal fight or confrontation with a spouse may result in a police officer being summoned to a private domicile and one or both parties being arrested for domestic violence disorderly conduct, which Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-182 defines as a class C misdemeanor. If such a confrontation results in physical harm to one or both parties involved, then class A misdemeanor charges of third-degree domestic assault may be pursued under C.G.S. §53a-61. A Norwalk domestic violence arrest attorney can assess the details of the confrontation and develop appropriate defense strategies.

How Serious Are Charges Involving Physical Violence?

More overtly harmful or systemic behavior—especially if it involves endangerment or abuse of a child as defined by C.G.S. §§53-20, 53-21, and 53-21a—may result in felony charges, which in turn means bail may be harder to obtain and ensuing consequences upon conviction may be more severe. In these kinds of situations, it is particularly important for an arrested individual to retain legal counsel from an experienced Norwalk domestic violence arrest attorney.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest?

Compared to cases for other types of offenses our attorneys handle, domestic violence cases in Norwalk tend to move relatively quickly. As soon as the next business day, anyone arrested for a domestic violence offense must appear before a Connecticut Superior Court for an arraignment hearing, during which they will likely have a temporary restraining order established as well.

What Is Required of Me with a Temporary Restraining Order?

Depending on the circumstances, a temporary restraining order may only require refraining from additional violent acts in the future, or it may mandate that a defendant move out of their home and avoid all contact with their alleged victim until their case concludes—at which point, depending on the outcome, the order may be extended. If an instance of domestic violence puts children at risk, defendants can also expect to be investigated by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families over a period of 45 to 90 days. An experienced Norwalk domestic violence arrest attorney could explain the specifics of a TRO and how it will impact each individual.

Can Speaking with Law Enforcement Benefit Me?

Anything said to a DCF investigator, Superior Court judge, or any other law enforcement officer during the period immediately following a domestic violence arrest could be used as evidence to secure a conviction in the ensuing criminal case. Therefore, retaining a domestic violence arrest lawyer sooner rather than later is usually a good idea for anyone accused of this kind of offense in Norwalk.

Speak with a Norwalk Domestic Violence Arrest Attorney Today

No matter what the circumstances of your arrest were, being accused of domestic violence can have dramatic implications on every part of your life. A strong legal defense is virtually essential to anyone dealing with these kinds of charges. Contact a Norwalk domestic violence arrest lawyer at Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a consultation and start working on your legal strategy.

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