Connecticut Domestic Violence Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Allegations of Domestic Abuse or Family Violence in Hartford

Domestic violence allegations can have immediate and lasting consequences, including criminal charges, protective orders, and the loss of firearm rights. They could also potentially impact child custody, employment, and other aspects of your life. If you have been accused of domestic violence, assault, or abuse, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and your future.

At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC in East Hartford, Connecticut, we provide strategic legal defense to people facing domestic violence charges. With over 60 years of experience between our attorneys, we advocate for clients throughout Connecticut, and we fight to ensure that every client receives fair treatment under the law.

When Can a Person Be Arrested for Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

Domestic violence—also known as family violence under Connecticut law—refers to physical harm or threats affecting family members or people who share a household. These charges can arise in a variety of situations, and law enforcement officers are required to take domestic violence allegations seriously.

A person may be arrested for domestic violence based on accusations related to:

• Physical Assault: This may include hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or causing bodily harm to a spouse, partner, or family member.
• Threats of Violence: Verbal or written threats of physical harm can result in criminal charges, even if no physical contact occurred.
• Harassment or Stalking: Repeated unwanted contact, following a person, or sending threatening messages can lead to harassment charges.
• Violation of a Protective Order: If a protective or restraining order is in place, any contact with the protected person may result in an immediate arrest.
• Strangulation: Allegations of choking or restricting another person's breathing can lead to felony domestic violence charges.
• Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in disruptive or threatening behavior, especially in a domestic setting, may result in arrest.

Connecticut's Mandatory Arrest Policy

Connecticut law requires police officers to perform arrests in certain cases involving accusations of domestic violence cases. When police respond to a domestic disturbance, and they determine that a crime involving family violence has taken place, they must arrest the person who they believe committed the offense. Even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges, police may still proceed with an arrest, and the alleged perpetrator may be charged with a crime.

Once an arrest is made, the accused must appear in court the next business day for an arraignment hearing, where a judge may issue a protective order and set bail conditions.

Connecticut's Mandatory Arrest Policy

Connecticut law follows a mandatory arrest policy for domestic violence cases. This means that when police respond to a domestic violence call, they must make an arrest if there is probable cause that a crime occurred. Even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges, law enforcement may proceed with the case based on witness statements, physical evidence, or prior incidents.

Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction

The penalties a person may face if they are charged with domestic violence will depend on the nature of the charges, whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, and whether the accused has prior convictions.

Misdemeanor domestic violence charges may include:

• Disorderly Conduct (Class C Misdemeanor): This offense involves engaging in violent or threatening behavior or purposely causing annoyance or inconvenience. A conviction may result in up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
• Threatening in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor): A person may be charged with this offense if they make threats that place a family member in fear that they will suffer physical harm. A conviction may result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.

Felony domestic violence charges may include:

• Assault in the Second Degree: If a person causes a family member to suffer a serious injury, they may be charged with this offense. This offense may be charged as a Class D felony, which can result in up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000. If the alleged victim suffered a serious physical injury, Class C felony charges may apply, and a person could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.
• Strangulation in the Second Degree (Class D Felony): If an offense allegedly involved choking, a person may be charged with a felony offense that could lead to up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases

In nearly every domestic violence case, the court will issue a protective order (also known as a restraining order) to restrict the accused's contact with the alleged victim. A protective order may prevent a person from having any contact with their spouse, children, or other family members, and they may be prevented from returning to their home. They will also be required to surrender any firearms to law enforcement, and other requirements may be put in place.

Violating a protective order is a felony offense in Connecticut. A person may be charged with a Class D felony, but if they are accused of threatening, harassing, or assaulting the alleged victim named in the protective order, the charges will be increased to a Class C felony.

Contact Our Hartford, CT Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence, contact us at 860-290-8690 to schedule a free initial consultation. We charge reasonable flat and hourly fees, and we accept all major credit cards. We are available by appointment during evening and weekend hours, if necessary.