Stamford Domestic Violence Attorney
If you have been charged with or arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut, you need to act swiftly. The more time that passes without skilled legal representation on your end, the greater the risk of life-altering outcomes. A Stamford domestic violence lawyer can provide focused attention and clear strategies for your defense.
Why Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
Domestic violence is a serious legal matter. Domestic violence charges often require navigating complex legal frameworks, criminal or civil charges, and deeply personal family dynamics. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we understand the seriousness of domestic violence charges and how they impact families.
When you are accused of wrongdoing, the stakes are too high to navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Reich & Truax, PLLC, has over 136 years of combined family law experience. Our attorneys provide skilled legal counsel and compassionate guidance.
Domestic Violence in Connecticut
Each year in Connecticut, there are an estimated 20,000 family violence incidents that result in at least one arrest. Law enforcement takes accusations of domestic violence seriously. In Stamford, the Family Services Unit of the Stamford Police Department investigates domestic violence cases. The office is located at 725 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06901.
Law enforcement officers who respond to a family violence incident are required to complete a family violence offense report even when no arrest is made. In cases of arrest, the officer must file a report with the public safety commissioner.
The information provided to the public safety commissioner must include the age and sex of the individual(s), whether weapons were involved, the existence of prior court orders, the presence of substance abuse, and whether children were present or involved in the incident. This report is also provided to the state’s attorney where the arrest occurred. The public safety commissioner is responsible for compiling data on family violence crime and publishing an annual report.
Restraining Orders in Connecticut
If an individual is experiencing domestic violence, they can ask the court for a restraining order to protect themselves from their abuser. According to data from the Judicial Branch of Connecticut, 7,977 restraining orders were issued in 2024.
If a restraining order is violated, it can result in criminal charges. A restraining order may order an individual not to:
- Contact the protected individual (through email, social media, telephone, or written contact)
- Contact the protected individual’s workplace or home
- Assault, threaten, follow, harass, abuse, stalk, or interfere with the protected individual
- Enter the home of the protected individual
- Not come within 100 yards of the protected individual
- Hurt or threaten to hurt an animal that belongs to the protected individual
Diversionary Program for Family Violence Offenders
Eligible defendants can apply to the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP). This is a pretrial program that provides education on family violence instead of going to court. The program consists of nine 90-minute sessions of psycho-education and counseling designed to reduce any future family violence.
To be eligible for the program, an individual must be a first-time offender who is facing specific misdemeanor family violence charges, such as third-degree assault or disorderly conduct. Typically, individuals charged with more serious offenses, such as those involving a firearm, serious injury, or sexual assault, are not eligible.
Defendants must submit an application to the court and receive approval. The defendant must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 and an additional $300 program fee. If the court approves the application, the defendant must comply with the terms of the program and any additional conditions imposed by the court. Additional court-required conditions may include mental health and substance use evaluations and treatment or counseling.
Entering the Program
Once the defendant enters the program, they are released to the custody of the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) – family violence intervention unit. The CSSD will strictly monitor the defendant for a maximum of two years to ensure they complete the program and comply with the court-ordered conditions. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the court may dismiss the charges.
FAQs About Stamford, CT Domestic Violence Laws
In Connecticut, various types of evidence may be used to prove domestic violence, including witness testimony. Other physical evidence, such as medical records or photographs of property damage or injuries that occurred as a result of the incident.
Documentation from police reports, restraining orders, or orders of protection may be used as evidence. Evidence of communication that demonstrates abusive behavior or threats, including social media postings, text messages, or emails, may be used in a domestic violence case.
The cost to defend a domestic violence case will vary based on multiple factors. The complexity of the case will be a factor in the cost. Criminal domestic violence cases can demand an extensive legal defense. Civil domestic violence cases, such as those involving divorce, child custody, or a restraining order, may be less complex than a criminal case but will still require skilled legal representation. The attorney’s reputation and experience will also affect the cost.
In Connecticut, domestic violence or family violence is an event between household or family members that causes physical injury or creates fear that injury will occur. Family violence is not charged as a separate crime in Connecticut and may be charged as kidnapping, assault, sexual assault, breach of peace, or disorderly conduct. Family violence can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.
A restraining order is a civil order issued by the Superior Court in Connecticut. It prohibits an individual from restraining, threatening, assaulting, harassing, sexually assaulting, molesting, or attacking the victim. It may also instruct the individual to whom the order applies to stay away from the home of the victim or the family home, and not to threaten or hurt any animal owned by the victim. Often, the order is extended to include the victim’s minor children.
Contact a Stamford Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence issues can be urgent, life-changing, and extremely emotional. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we understand the seriousness of these matters and offer skilled representation to protect our clients’ rights. Please contact our office to discuss how we can help.
