It can be scary and confusing when you are arrested, but remember that you have rights and exercise them. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone but an attorney. A Connecticut bondsman can help you know what to do if you’re arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut. Read on for more information.
Arrest
It is important not to say anything to the police during the arrest, even if your victim insists that you do. It would be best if you waited for an attorney to give you legal advice before saying anything to avoid jeopardizing your defense. Also, do not show acts of hostility or aggressiveness that police may use against you in court.
Be Prepared For Your First Appearances in Court
A “No Bond” status is common in cases like this and often mandatory until you first appear in court. Your first appearance in court usually occurs within a day of your arrest. That’s because judges have to decide your bond application and other important matters.
When your case finally arrives at court, you’ll be questioned by a Family Relations Officer (FRO). The FRO will want to know about your allegations and your history with the victim. Remember, the FRO is there on behalf of the judge! So the judge will have access to the information you give up and may rely on it later on.
Once you are through with the FRO, next, you’ll go before the judge in court. Depending on what the judge reads in the police report, you may be asked to undergo drug abuse-related treatment if the police report shows that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the arrest.
You may also be given an order of protection, which will bar you from communicating with the other party for a specific period. If children are involved, a child custody order can be enforced, giving the victim legal custody of the children.
However, with the help of an attorney, you can have the order of protection reversed, or they can help you schedule a hearing within 14 days to contest it.
What Happens After The Arraignment Hearing?
The outcome of your arraignment hearing will vary based on different factors, including the type of charge, your criminal record, and the severity of the incident. Based on these factors, the judge will consider your case and release you on bail or order your detention. Some of the release conditions include:
- Attending counseling and education
- G.P.S. monitoring
After setting the release conditions, the judge will decide how much your bond is, and the FRO will be asked to monitor your compliance with the release conditions.
Therefore don’t just stroll into court. Have your legal counsel thoroughly prepare your case beforehand.
Seek Bail Bond Services
Bail is a form of financial guarantee to ensure the defendant’s appearance at all court proceedings, including future hearings and trials. If you cannot post the entire bail amount, a Bail bondsman can do it on your behalf, usually at a fee of 10% of the set bail. Depending on the allegations, the bail can run into thousands of dollars. Luckily, most bail bonds offer their services for domestic violence charges and can help you come up with a payment plan that’s convenient for you.
Stay off Social Media
Social media has become a feature of daily life for many people. Most adults have Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, and the like. However, it is important to avoid posting status updates regarding your arrest. This is because these posts will most likely be dug up and used as evidence against you.
In addition, don’t fan flames by responding to posts made by the victim, as these may also be used against you. You also risk being charged with violating a criminal order of protection.
Obey Orders Of Protection
Every domestic violence case will have an order of protection issued against the offender to protect the victim from further abuse. An Order of Protection prohibits a person from contacting or coming within a certain distance of another person. However, there are many circumstances in which victims will initiate contact with the accused to reestablish communication, ask for money, or start up relationships. If this happens, the offender must immediately contact their attorney. It will be a violation if you contact the victim under any circumstances.
It is a felony to break an order of protection, and it will make your defense so much more difficult. The court takes these violations seriously and may increase your bail amount or have you arrested. Always consult your lawyer before contacting the victim.
Consider Anger Management Counseling
If you have recently been arrested for domestic violence, assault, or any other domestic-related crime, we suggest you search for an individual therapist that specializes in these areas of practice. These therapists deal with people who engage in violent behaviors and can help you learn ways of avoiding conflict in the future while also helping you save your relationship. While participating in therapy can’t erase the charges, statistics show that offenders who complete therapy are far less likely to commit another crime later on.
Hire an Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
What should you do if you’re arrested for domestic violence? No one likes getting into trouble with the law, but things can quickly escalate if you are being accused of domestic violence. That’s why it is crucial to speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible.
Since domestic violence accusations can have serious consequences, you’ll need an experienced domestic violence attorney to build a solid defense.
If you or your loved one is in jail for a domestic violence charge and the set bail amount is too high to pay off the bat, we can help. Reach out to our bail bondsman and we will calculate your fees and take care of all the necessary paperwork. We also offer flexible payment plans to post bail as soon as possible. Visit https://connecticut-bailbonds.com/domestic-violence-bail-bond-ct/ for more information.
Connecticut Bail Bonds Group,
11 Asylum St, Suite 512 Hartford CT 06103,
(860) 420-2245
