Stamford Second-Degree Harassment Trials

Stamford second-degree harassment trials take place at the Stamford Superior Court located at 123 Hoyt Street. Once the case is put on the trial list, it takes about two years for it to be called into court for trial. The trial itself could range from a couple of days to weeks, depending on the facts and the nature of the case.

If you were charged with second-degree harassment, you could benefit from the assistance of a top harassment attorney. A skilled lawyer could attempt to resolve a case as quickly as possible so that you can get back to your life.

What to Expect at Arraignment

In the event a person is charged with harassment in the second-degree, they should expect a protective order to be issued at their arraignment. They should also expect a condition of release to be issued, which would prohibit them from contacting the alleged harmed individual in their case.

Testimony From the Alleged Harmed Party

A person can possibly expect to hear the alleged harmed individual’s position when they are put on the stand. They will be able to give input on whether or not they want a protective order put into place and what type, or if they want the defendant to be prosecuted and have zero contact. Most of the time, the alleged harmed party is not present and their advocate explains their position instead.

Role of the Prosecutor and the Bail Commissioner in CT

An individual should expect the prosecutor and the bail commissioner to give a recommendation to the judge about what level of a protective order should be entered in the case. The bail commissioner would also recommend whether or not a bond should be placed on the case in general. The judge will then decide whether or not a defendant needs to post a bond to be released. The bail bondsman provides recommendations to the judge to facilitate the decision.

Inconsistencies in Witness Statements

Inconsistencies in statements from alleged harmed individuals can be helpful for a person charged with second-degree harassment in Stamford because they would make the other party look as if they are lying or making up the allegations against the defendant. If the alleged harmed person goes on the stand and makes an inconsistent statement, it is helpful to have the defendant’s attorney point that out to the judge so they look less reliable.

Importance of Maintaining Composure

It is important to maintain composure during the court proceeding despite any emotional attachment to the subject of discourse because the judge is present and is aware of everything occurring in the courtroom. If someone comes across as very helpful or volatile, it is likely that the judge is going to believe that they engaged in the alleged harassment conduct.

An aggressive or emotional outburst would reflect extremely negatively during a Stamford second-degree harassment trial. The judge would typically reprimand the defendant if they do anything out of line. It makes them look more aggressive and more capable of committing the alleged conduct.

Jury Trials

In the event of a trial by jury, it is important to identify with the jury as much as possible, because they determine whether or not a person is guilty of the crime. If a person is able to come across as someone who would not engage in the alleged conduct, it is likely that the jury would rule in their favor.

Besides evidence, other compelling factors in Stamford second-degree harassment trials is witness testimony or statements. Character witnesses can speak to how the defendant typically behaves in their normal life and if the incident was out of character for them. Witnesses might also testify for the prosecution, so it becomes even more helpful to have character witnesses testifying for the defense.

Motions to Suppress Evidence

A motion to suppress evidence is a motion filed prior to trial so that certain evidence may not be introduced to a jury. The defense or the prosecution could file a motion to suppress a particular piece of evidence, and the judge determines whether or not that evidence is likely to prejudice the jury in any way. If the judge believes that the evidence could prejudice a jury, they would not allow it to come into the trial.

A motion to suppress evidence might impact a second-degree harassment case because it could be extremely helpful depending on what evidence is. If it is evidence that a defendant had previously committed the acts that they are accused of committing now, it would be helpful for the defense to keep that evidence out.

Reach out to a Seasoned Harassment Attorney in Stamford

If you were charged with harassment, you deserve to be represented by a qualified criminal defense attorney. The best attorneys understand how overwhelming Stamford second-degree harassment trials can be, and they could ease your concerns about your future. Call today to schedule a consultation and begin working towards a resolution.