Ridgefield Domestic Violence Lawyer

The State of Connecticut takes all domestic violence charges very seriously. If you have been arrested in Ridgefield, Connecticut for assaulting a member of your family or household, then it is imperative that you prepare a robust defense with the help of a Ridgefield domestic violence lawyer.

The penalties for these types of crimes can be significant, and having an arrest on your record can create difficulties that linger on your record for the rest of your life. Therefore, after your initial contact with the authorities, your next contact should be with a domestic violence attorney

What Is Domestic Violence Assault?

Domestic violence is the legal term used to describe a particular set of incidences that can occur between members of a family or household.  In order to be arrested for domestic violence, a person must be accused of threatening or violent behavior against a person who falls into one of these categories:

  • A spouse or a former spouse
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Roommates
  • Persons who share occupancy
  • A co-parent, even if the two were never married
  • Persons who are currently or were formerly in a dating relationship

Working with a top Ridgefield domestic violence lawyer will benefit any person charged with an assault involving one or more of the above parties.

Before the Arrest

It is important to understand that a person can be charged with domestic violence assault even if there is no physical contact. The State of Connecticut categorizes threats and other types of mental assault and neglect to be examples of domestic violence as well. These are some of the most common offenses that fall under the label of domestic violence:

  • ThreateningThreatening violence can be considered domestic violence. Penalties for threatening are harsher when the intent is to cause fear of physical harm, or if the threat involves a firearm.
  • StalkingThe most grievous instances of stalking are classified as felonies in Connecticut. Even just a few instances can subject a defendant to a misdemeanor stalking charge.
  • Strangulation Due to its violent nature, this type of physical contact involving the restriction of a throat or breathing passageway is classified separately from assault. In both the first and second-degree, a strangulation charge is a felony.
  • Sexual AssaultDomestic violence laws also apply to various types of sex crimes. Having a relationship with a partner does not imply consent.
  • Violation of a Court OrderIf a restraining order or order of protection is placed on a defendant, breaking that agreement can lead to domestic violence charges.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest?

The period after being charged with any sort of domestic violence can be complicated and confusing. Many people who are arrested in Connecticut want to move on with their lives and start putting the incident behind them.  As a result, they lose faith and find themselves in the position to accept whatever proposal a prosecutor offers me.

Taking a plea deal without consulting a lawyer is always a flawed strategy that surrenders important rights and freedoms. That is why you should contact a top domestic violence attorney in Ridgefield to help you fight back against the charges.

So in order to take full advantage of the protections granted to each individual under the law, it is important for defendants to understand how domestic violence laws work in Connecticut.

How An Attorney Can Help

As you can see, there are many ways—unexpected ways—to be arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut. The only way to defend yourself against a legal system that is eager to assume fault is to work with an experienced and aggressive Ridgefield domestic violence lawyer. Contact our firm today to arrange a consultation.

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