Domestic Violence Arrests in Bridgeport

Every arrest for alleged criminal conduct is a serious matter. Whether the charges are for misdemeanor or felony offenses, each moment from the time of arrest is critical to protecting your rights and freedoms. This is particularly true in cases alleging domestic violence.

Domestic violence arrests in Bridgeport can have immediate consequences for your future. Having an attorney by your side throughout the law enforcement investigation and trial proceedings is essential to protecting your rights. Ruane Attorneys can explain what to expect after an arrest and represent you throughout the process.

When Can Police Arrest Someone for Domestic Violence?

All arrests for supposed illegal activity must have a basis in the state’s criminal code. There is no specific criminal offense that carries the label of “domestic violence.” Instead, a domestic violence case occurs when the alleged victim of a crime has an established relationship with the defendant.

More specifically, Connecticut General Statute § 46b-38a defines a group of people as household members. A household member may include:

• Blood relations
• People who share a child in common
• Spouses and former spouses
• Parents and children
• Roommates

A domestic violence arrest results from allegations that a defendant committed an act of violence or threatened harm to someone who falls into this category. Common examples of charges in domestic violence cases include assault, stalking, sexual abuse, and false imprisonment.

To make an arrest, a police officer must have probable cause for the violation. In many cases, this proof can consist of little more than the accuser’s complaint to the police. Our Bridgeport attorneys can explain the charges a person faces after an arrest for domestic violence.

What to Expect Following a Domestic Violence Arrest

After an arrest for domestic violence, the police officers will take the defendant to jail for booking. This involves taking a picture of the defendant, obtaining identifying information, and taking fingerprints. A defendant will remain in jail until the next court session, usually the following morning.

Arraignment

This first court session is called the arraignment. Here, the court will formally enter the charges into the docket. This is also an opportunity to discuss bail conditions. A Bridgeport lawyer could work to get the arrested person released from jail pending trial and argue for reasonable bail conditions.

Protective Orders

Protective orders are often part of the legal process after a domestic violence arrest in Bridgeport. The alleged victims of domestic violence can argue that they fear for their safety. If a court accepts this argument, it can create a temporary protective order requiring the defendant to cease all contact with the alleged victim.

If a temporary order goes in place, the court will schedule a follow-up hearing in about two weeks. These hearings are an opportunity to challenge the necessity of protective orders. Our local attorneys could help protect the rights of domestic violence defendants after an arrest, during arraignments, and throughout the protective order hearings.

Call a Lawyer Immediately After a Domestic Violence Arrest

An arrest for domestic violence can be a confusing and intimidating experience. When you are accused of crimes against a household member, the courts will label the incident as domestic violence. This classification can lead to consequences long before a trial or conviction.

An allegation of wrongdoing could lead to the creation of protective orders that threaten your ability to live at home and see your children. After domestic violence arrests in Bridgeport, your first step should be to contact an attorney to help prevent these repercussions. At Ruane Attorneys, we can work to prevent aggressive police questioning in custody and argue for fair bail terms during arraignments. Contact us now to get the representation you need.