Stamford Disorderly Conduct Arrests

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to contest your Stamford disorderly conduct arrest and mitigate the repercussions a criminal conviction could bring. In order to defend your best interests as effectively as possible, though, it may be necessary to seek help from a knowledgeable disorderly conduct attorney.

What Constitutes Disorderly Conduct in Stamford?

Connecticut General Statutes §53a-182 states that each of the following acts may constitute a disorderly conduct offense:

  • Interrupting a lawful gathering
  • Fighting in public
  • Blocking a road or pedestrian walkway
  • Being unreasonably loud
  • Not leaving an area upon a police officer’s order to do so
  • Trespassing on someone’s property to observe them without their knowledge or consent

However, this statute also states that any behavior intended to “cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm” may be construed as disorderly conduct. Depending on the circumstances, a police officer could therefore argue that this definition applies to virtually any conduct someone else considers to be abrasive, and make an arrest based on that observation.

While some disorderly conduct arrests in Stamford stem from warrants obtained following formal police investigations, most occur based on testimony at the scene of an alleged offense. Fortunately, convicting someone on disorderly conduct charges is a lot harder than arresting them for this offense, but nevertheless, it may be important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible after being detained on suspicion of disorderly conduct.

How Serious Is an Arrest for Disorderly Conduct?

In certain circumstances, an alleged instance of disorderly conduct may be classified by law enforcement as a domestic violence offense. Specifically, any disorderly conduct that involves a romantic partner, a family member, or a household member may be considered domestic violence.

The procedures that follow an arrest for domestic violence disorderly conduct differ significantly from those that follow other disorderly conduct arrests. Even before being convicted of any crime, people accused of domestic violence may have restraining orders levied against them, be subject to investigation from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and even have to move out of their home for a period of time.

In light of these potential circumstances, it is often particularly important that anyone arrested for domestic violence disorderly conduct retain a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Legal counsel can work to contest allegations of safety issues in a defendant’s home, potentially help mediate domestic disputes, and help arrested parties apply for the Family Violence Education Program as a possible alternative to criminal penalties.

Get Legal Help Following a Disorderly Conduct Arrest in Stamford

The immediate aftermath of a Stamford disorderly conduct arrest can have a significant impact on how any ensuing case will play out. If you say or do the wrong thing after being arrested, you may have a much harder time protecting your best interests and pursuing a positive result in your case.

Instead of trying to handle your situation alone, get in touch with a seasoned disorderly conduct lawyer to discuss what your arrest means and what it will likely lead to in terms of prosecution. Call Mark Sherman Law today to schedule an initial consultation.

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