Westport Protective Order Violation Arrests
If you were arrested for violating a protective order in Westport, you should be aware that this is a felony offense. A conviction on these charges could result in heavy fines and jail time, even if the underlying charge that led to the imposition of the protective order was minor. For this reason, you should seriously consider contacting a top domestic violence attorney for help building a strong defense.
When Do Police Arrest Someone for Violating a Protective Order?
Most protective order violations involve the respondent making contact with the protected person. This contact could occur via text, email, social media, or even passing a message through a third party. CT law takes all violations seriously, and a respondent could be arrested even for accidentally violating a protective order.
Police are allowed to arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe a violation occurred. While authorities do have the discretion not to make an arrest, in nearly all cases, the respondent will be arrested for an alleged violation of a protective order in Westport.
Can the Petitioner Violate a Protective Order?
No, a petitioner cannot violate a protective order. The protective order is issued against one party, the respondent, and only that party can violate it. It is important for defendants to keep in mind that even if the petitioner initiates contact, they should continue to comply with the terms in order to avoid an arrest.
What Happens After a Protective Order Violation Arrest?
After an arrest for violating a protective order in Westport, the defendant will be taken to the police department and held until arraignment. Arraignment occurs on the next business day after the arrest. The defendant will have an opportunity to contact an attorney within a reasonable time, and it is highly advisable to take advantage of this right.
Any statements made to police can later be used against you in court, and it is easy to inadvertently incriminate yourself. The best way to avoid making the situation worse is to retain a skilled Westport attorney as soon as possible after a protective order violation arrest.
Contact a Westport Attorney After Your Protective Order Violation Arrest
If you were arrested for violating a protective order in Westport, you could face serious penalties, including incarceration. Even if you have not yet violated an order, it is crucial that you understand the terms to avoid noncompliance and an arrest in the future.
A top defense attorney from Mark Sherman Law could provide valuable advice about your legal options and work to resolve your protective order as quickly as possible. They could also help you build a strong defense against the underlying charges. Call today to schedule a consultation.