People facing any criminal charges must take them seriously. A conviction for even a simple misdemeanor can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. However, the stakes become much higher when the alleged crime is against a family or household member.

To avoid severe penalties and protective orders, consult a Hartford domestic violence lawyer. At Ruane Attorneys, our legal team can defend against these charges and protect the rights of the accused. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to begin discussing a strategy in your case.

What is a Domestic Violence Crime?

Unlike many other states, Connecticut does not have a crime in its penal code called “domestic violence.” Instead, domestic violence is a descriptive term used to define a criminal act committed against a household member. Whether a crime is an example of domestic violence depends on the alleged victim’s identity.

The term that state law uses to define an alleged victim of domestic violence is “household member.” This extends beyond the traditional definition of a family member. According to Connecticut General Statute § 46b-38a, a household member includes:

• A person related by blood
• Any person with whom the defendant has a child in common
• Any person with whom the defendant has now or has ever had a romantic relationship
• Any person with whom the defendant now lives or has ever lived

Under this definition, a fight with a roommate could be treated as an incident of domestic violence. A Hartford attorney could help explain why a case is marked as an incident of domestic violence and fight back against this classification whenever possible.

Domestic Violence Cases in Hartford Courts

The main difference between a domestic violence case and one against a non-household member is the prosecutor’s ability to ask the court for a protective order. The prosecutor has this option during an initial court hearing, so it is essential for accused people to seek legal representation early in their cases.

The prosecutor can argue that the defendant is a threat to the continued well-being of the alleged victim. They can ask that the court prohibit contact between the two parties, require the defendant to move out of their home, and limit areas where the defendant can travel. This can significantly impact a person’s family life and career. After putting a protective order in place, the court will review the order periodically throughout the case. If the defendant is convicted, the order may become permanent. A domestic violence lawyer at our firm could help contest the need for protective orders and fight for a defendant’s rights.

Let a Hartford Domestic Violence Attorney Provide the Support You Need

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction are severe. Not only will a person need to serve a sentence for the underlying criminal charges, but any protective order put into place may become permanent. It is essential that you take precautions to protect yourself early in the case.

Hiring a Hartford domestic violence lawyer is the first step in working toward a positive outcome. At Ruane Attorneys, we can help from the earliest hearings in your case to prevent a criminal conviction and dispute the imposition of any restrictive protective orders. Contact our firm today to let us get to work for you.