No one should live under a constant threat of violence, especially from a member of their own family. Your safety and that of your children should be your paramount concern, and it’s important to know that help is only a phone call away. At Needle | Cuda, we help clients obtain restraining orders to keep them and their children safe. We know the process can be daunting, and the emotional issues involved with seeking this level of help are complex. However, sudden escalations in violent behavior can have disastrous consequences for you and your loved ones. When you are ready to take action, we are ready to help.
On the other hand, emotionally distraught individuals often hurl accusations of abuse, especially during highly contested divorces and child custody disputes. After decades of practice, we are well aware of innocent parties whose reputations were tarnished by false accusations, and we offer vigorous defense representation to clients who are unfairly made the target of restraining orders.
Connecticut has two kinds of orders that are commonly referred to as restraining orders. The first is an Order of Protection, which a judge in the criminal court can issue after an arrest to last until the criminal case is decided. The second is a Restraining Order, which a judge in family court can issue upon complaint without an arrest being made. The family court issues restraining orders for domestic violence situations, so the person to be restrained must qualify as:
If the targeted person qualifies, these are the steps for obtaining a restraining order in family court:
No matter which side of the issue you are on, you should seek advice and representation from an experienced family law attorney, especially to protect your rights during the hearing.
Restraining orders are somewhat flexible, so judges have discretion to tailor them to your circumstances. Common provisions of a restraining order are:
The restraining order has the force of law, so if the targeted person violates any conditions, a judge can find him or her in contempt. Punishments include fines and jail time.
If you are the victim of domestic violence in Fairfield County, or have been named as a targeted person of a restraining order, Needle | Cuda is ready to help. We provide highly responsive service and effective representation in all matters related to family court restraining orders. To reserve a consultation, call us today at 203-557-9500 or contact our Westport office online.