Connecticut Court Process For Criminal Cases

The Connecticut court process will be explained here for your convenience.

Arrest

A person is charged with a domestic violence crime either by warrant or by a police officer with probable cause. Once arrested, the person is generally processed. Processing happens at the scene and the person gets a court summons. Or, the person is brought to the police station and processed. If they are brought to the station, release happens in certain situations. It happen on a promise to appear in court. Or, it happens after posting a bond through cash or a professional bondsman.

Out of Jail

If you are not in jail, you will be required to appear in court at the next available court date. This usually happens the following morning. Failing to appear in court is very serious. Also, it can cause additional charges to be filed against you. You should appear at court no later than 10 a.m., which is when courts generally open for business. However, you may wish to appear at 9 a.m. and speak with the family relations office or the state’s attorney office to see what will be required of you. This is when a full or partial protective order may be imposed and will be your best opportunity to fight them and get a hearing.

Arraignment & Bond

If you are detained because of a high bond, your attorney will have the opportunity to argue for your reduced bond or release to the court on the next available court date (usually the following morning). At that time, the court may set certain requirements for your release, including your cooperation with the family relations office, limit your contact with your family members, and require counseling or other actions by you. This is when a full or partial protective order may be imposed and this will be your opportunity to have a hearing on that order.

Referral to Family Relations

One of the first things that will be required upon your appearance in court will be to meet with a family relations office member. The family relations office is part of the court support services division and is responsible for monitoring the progress of domestic violence cases, to coordinate treatment programs for offenders and to obtain alleged victim input on the case. This information is provided to the court during the discussions of your case and is integral in the disposition of the case.

Protective Orders

Protective orders may be imposed depending on your situation. There are different levels of protective orders that you may be subject to.

Arraignment

The first step is called an arraignment. A case will appear on the “regular” docket. This is the docket to which all new cases are assigned. A case will likely be maintained on the regular docket for the first few court appearances. In certain situations, your case can be resolved while on this docket. Some courts allow the attorney to appear on your behalf, while others require the appearance of the client as well. Failure to be in court can result in forfeiture of your bond and a warrant being issued for you for the crime of failure to appear. It is at your arraignment that the issuance of a protective order usually occurs.