Connecticut Domestic Violence Laws: Charges and Penalties

The state of Connecticut domestic violence law defines domestic violence or “family violence” as it’s referred to by Connecticut courts, as any act causing harm committed between two family members. The definition applies whether they live in the same household or share common children. Verbal abuse doesn’t’ typically stand as grounds for a family violence charge unless it’s proven that the victim of the verbal abuse is in fact in danger. The state of Connecticut assesses each instance and report of family violence individually, and carries out the punishments accordingly with each case.  

Connecticut Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties

When an officer arrives at the scene of a family violence call in Connecticut, he has to make a state-regulated report on the incident whether an arrest is made or not. All reports go through the State Safety Commissioner who determines whether or not the matter should be taken farther and sends the report to the Family Violence Intervention Unit. This unit is responsible for interpreting these reports and recommending further action once the matter is sent to the Family Relations Division of the Connecticut State Superior Court.  

Once the court reviews the information and has a chance to evaluate the reports that were made by the officer at the scene of the incident, the court issues its decision in relation to any possible charges that will be brought. The potential charges that an offender may face vary:

• In most cases where there is an element of physical violence, the family violence charge may be a serious one, resulting in a Class C Felony charge. These charges are punishable by anywhere from 3 to 5 years in prison, as well as a citation of anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 dollars.  
• In any case of family violence in the state of Connecticut, an order of protection will be drafted for the victim to restrict contact between the victim and the offender. Any violation of the protective orders is considered a felony charge. If the protective order is violated by the victim, the victim of the family violence may be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, resulting in up to a year in jail and a $1,000 dollar citation being issued.  
• If the offender that’s been ordered to remain out of contact with the victim enters the property that the victim inhabits and violates the protective order, the offender can also be charged with criminal trespassing, which is a Class A Misdemeanor in the state of Connecticut and punishable by the $1,000 dollar fine and a year in jail.

Additional penalties may apply for repeat offenders or in extreme circumstances. 

Getting Help

Because penalties can vary somewhat on a case by case basis, you should ask a lawyer in your area to review the charges brought against you and the specifics of your case to help you determine the potential penalties you face. Your lawyer can also assist you in defending yourself against the charges, in arranging a plea deal, or in otherwise taking steps to minimize your penalties as much as possible.