Connecticut Punishments for Domestic Violence Assault Charges

Judges take allegations of domestic violence very seriously, and an incident where tempers rose quickly could have big implications for your future. If you have been accused of domestic violence, stalking, threatening, felony assault, or third degree assault, you need to retain a Connecticut criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Connecticut law regarding domestic violence defines that it is illegal for an individual to threaten, stalk, or physically assault you, even in circumstances where that individual is a family member, living in your household, or a person that you have dated. Family or household members can include parents or their children, a spouse or former spouse, individuals who have a child in common, and other individuals who are related by blood or marriage.

Punishments vary depending on what you are charged with, but assault charges are classified in degrees.

•  First degree assault charges can result in a Class B felony;
• Second degree assault charges can result in a Class D felony;
• Third degree assault charges can result in a Class A misdemeanor;
• Assault of a pregnant woman that results in pregnancy termination can result in a Class A felony.

The consequences of being convicted include jail time and fines. In some cases, the other party might seek a standing criminal protective order, too. The court has the authority to issue a standing criminal protective order after reviewing the nature of the circumstances and the criminal history of the accused. A protective order could bar you from staying in the home, seeing children, or getting within close range of schools, churches, or other locations where the involved family members may be. With just one case, the course of your life can be changed forever. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a first time domestic violence charge is a minor incident. Contact a Connecticut criminal lawyer today.