Wilton Violation of Protective Order Lawyer
Were you arrested for violating a protective order in Wilton, CT? Consult a knowledgeable Wilton violation of protective order lawyer for help complying with the terms of your order and defending against your underlying charges.
What is a Civil Restraining Order?
When someone believes they may be in danger from another person with whom they have a domestic relationship, they may ask the court to issue a restraining order against that person under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S”) §46b-15.
“Domestic Relationships” include spouses, former spouses, parents, other relatives, people who have lived together, and people currently or recently in a dating situation. A couple who parented a child together are also considered to have a qualifying domestic relationship even if they never lived together.
What is a Civil Order of Protection?
If an individual has been the victim of a sexual assault, sexual abuse, or stalking by another person who is not a household member, relative, or former partner, the individual may ask the court for a civil protection order under C.G.S. §46b-16a(a).
What is a Criminal Protective Order?
When someone is charged with a domestic violence crime, courts frequently issue criminal protective orders for the duration of the proceedings. If the court believes it is in the best interests of the parties to continue restrictions after the case concludes, the court could issue a standing criminal protective order that may have a much longer duration. Violation of any type of court order could result in harsh penalties and a person would take care to work with a skilled Wilton attorney.
What are the Penalties for Violating a Protective or Restraining Order?
Violations of criminal protective orders, standing criminal protective orders, and civil restraining orders may be treated as a Class C felony if the violation involves:
- Sexual assault
- Harassment
- Molestation
- Restraint
- Threatening
- Assault or attack
Penalties for a class C felony include a prison sentence up to 10 years in length, a fine of up to $10,000, a period of up to 3 years on probation, or a combination of the three.
Other protective order violations are Class D felonies punishable by up to five years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000 fine, and / or up to 3 years on probation. When possible, a Wilton violation of protective order attorney may be able to seek alternative penalties.
How to Prevent a Protective Order Violation?
Any attorney could advocate on your behalf and argue to the court that the conditions are too restrictive. A successful argument can lead to a modification of your protective order.
Consult a Wilton Violation of Protective Order Attorney
Violations of protective orders are extremely serious. If you think there is a possibility that you have violated a protective order, prompt action may lead to more lenient treatment by the court. You owe it to yourself to contact a Wilton violation of protective order lawyer to learn your options and protect your rights.
A dedicated attorney could help minimize the negative consequences to allow you to move forward. For a consultation and case evaluation, call Mark Sherman Law.