Domestic Violence Offense in Connecticut
If this is your first Domestic Violence Offense in Connecticut Superior Court and you have been taken into custody for such a crime, it is important to be mindful of the repercussions of having a criminal conviction on file.
This can cause difficulties with securing employment, obtaining insurance or a mortgage loan, traveling overseas and even finding suitable housing.
Thus, it is imperative to explore all your options for resolving the case without a conviction and protect your future.
By hiring expert legal representation, those charged with a Connecticut Domestic Violence Offense for the first time may be saved from a lengthy court process and have their charges dismissed swiftly.
To achieve this, experienced Domestic Violence attorneys in CT may suggest enrolling in the Family Violence Education Program as a defense strategy in cases of Disorderly Conduct (53a-182),
Assault in the Third Degree (53a-61), Violation of a Criminal Protective Order (53a-223), Violation of a Civil Restraining Order (53a-223b) and certain Strangulation Crimes (53a-64).
This could prove invaluable for defendants.
An individual who has been charged with Domestic Abuse may engage in the Family Violence Education Plan.
However, obtaining the program is not automatic; a thorough application must be carefully constructed for a domestic violence court judge and one’s local lawyer should be prepared to encounter resistance from the victim and prosecutor.
If you’re confused by the complexities of a Connecticut Domestic Violence arrest, it’s best to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer.
They can give you the best advice on how to approach your case for the most favorable outcome-the complete dismissal of charges.
To answer some common questions about Domestic Violence Offenses, we have compiled a few FAQs. Keep in mind that Domestic Violence courts act quickly and they take allegations of violence very seriously.
It’s best to stay on your guard and seek help from a reputable Domestic Violence attorney as soon as possible.
In order for an individual to be accepted into the Family Violence Education Program.
Their arrest must meet the criteria of a “family violence crime” as defined by Connecticut law.
Domestic violence covers a wide range of violent behavior between members living in the same household.
This includes physical harm or threats of harm among spouses, former spouses, parents and children, blood relatives, in-laws, roommates, people who have had children together, and those involved in a dating or sexual relationship. Such violence can lead to serious injury and in some cases, even death. It is important to remember that domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of gender or background. Everyone deserves the right to live without fear and experience a safe and healthy relationship.
Understanding what Domestic Violence is and how it works can be an important step towards preventing it.
Furthermore, your application into the program must satisfy certain criteria at the time of submission.
Verbal abuse or argument does not qualify as family violence according to Connecticut penal code.
At the Domestic Violence hearing, an application package is typically presented to the judge on the defendant’s behalf.
This can include letters of character reference, reports from counseling and treatment sessions, input from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and other documents that give insight into who you are as a person and professionally.
Domestic violence charges often contain information that is not favorable to the defendant, and this package provides an opportunity for your Connecticut Domestic Violence lawyers to construct a more well-rounded image of you.
It is important to thoroughly provide your lawyer with all necessary documents in order to give yourself the best chance of being accepted into the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program.
All arrests for Domestic Violence offenses require the issuance of protection and restraining orders during the pendency of your case.
These safety orders come in three different forms, each with varying levels of restriction:
(1) Full No Contact – the most restrictive,
(2) Full / Residential Stay-Away – second most restrictive and
(3) Partial or Limited – the least restrictive, prohibiting any form of assault, threat or harassment toward the protected person.
Having a restraining order can cause dire consequences in everyday life; further questioning at police traffic stops and border crossings may ensue and the victim has more leeway to try and get you arrested if engaged in a divorce or breakup.
Thus, it is imperative to make all efforts in getting your Domestic Violence arrest dismissed as soon as possible; this will not only clear your record but also have the judge terminate these criminal protective orders permanently.
The Domestic Violence Education Program carries the cost of $300, plus an additional application fee of $100.
This fee covers all necessary services associated with the program. Participation in the Domestic Violence Education Program is voluntary and no one will be denied access if they are unable to pay this fee.