Ridgefield Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Many domestic violence disturbances usually result in disorderly conduct charges under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-182, which is a class C misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail. If you are arrested for disorderly conduct in the area, then you will be required to appear in Danbury Superior Court on the next business morning for a protective / restraining order hearing. You will want to contact a Ridgefield disorderly conduct lawyer immediately.

The Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) will likely launch an investigation into you and your family if your children were present during your arrest. These investigations are time-consuming and can leave you wondering if you have any rights to protect your privacy.

How Should I Prepare For My First Day in Court?

You will be required to report to Danbury Superior Court on the very next business morning following your arrest for your arraignment. This court is located at 146 White Street in Danbury. Your first obligation will be to report for an interview and evaluation by the Office of Family Relations, which is located in the basement level of the courthouse.

This interview is critical to your case, and can be a deciding factor in the court’s decision. The Court Family Relations Officer will ask you personal questions about your mental health history, drug and alcohol usage, and prior incidents of domestic violence in your family.

Remember that any incriminating statement you make during your interview can be used against you. Depending on the severity of the accusations being made against you, it may be wise to decline the interview with family relations altogether.

What Happens During a Restraining/Protective Order Hearing?

After you have been interviewed and evaluated by the Office of Family Relations, you must appear in front of the criminal court judge for your disorderly conduct restraining/protective order hearing. During this hearing, the judge will focus on whether you are a threat to the safety of yourself or a family member, and whether there are any safety reasons why you should not be allowed to return home. Everyone involved in your case assessment gets a chance to be heard in court.

First, a Family Relations Officer will share their recommendation with the court. Next, the victim’s advocate will also provide the judge with a recommendation based on what allegedly happened and how the victim feels about her or his safety. Sometimes the victim will hire an attorney to act as their advocate.

The judge will also consider the recommendation made by the prosecutor, which is usually in line with the recommendations of the family relations officers. Finally, the judge will give you and your Ridgefield disorderly conduct attorney a chance to argue against a restraining/protective order.

Will DCF Investigate a Disorderly Conduct Accusation?

It’s normal for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) to launch a full-scale investigation into your family after a disorderly conduct arrest where children are present or in the home during the dispute.

DCF investigations are exhausting and can carry on for many months if you don’t have a top Ridgefield disorderly conduct attorney to intervene on your behalf. During the investigation, DCF will attempt to interview family members, teachers, pediatricians, therapists, and even next-door neighbors for information about your family.

Having an experienced Ridgefield disorderly conduct attorney at your side and in your home with you during this process can help make sure that you aren’t forced to comply with unnecessary and burdensome DCF recommendations. Your lawyer can also be present when DCF wants to talk to your children alone.

Contact a Ridgefield Disorderly Conduct Attorney

If you have been arrested for CGS § 53a-182, our Ridgefield disorderly conduct lawyer can help. We are available to speak with you 24/7 whether you need advice about your arrest, want to have your arrest reports removed from the internet, or are being investigated in by DCF. Contact us today.

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