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New Haven Domestic Assault Attorney

The impact of being charged with domestic assault in New Haven is difficult to overstate. Depending on the circumstances, you may find yourself facing a temporary restraining order that leaves you:

  • Unable to return home
  • Unable to see your children
  • Unable to contact your spouse/significant other

Your life can be turned upside down in an instant. Once the police have charged you, you need to begin taking action to protect yourself. It is no longer simply a matter of working things out with your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend. The police and the prosecutor’s office will proceed with the case against you and you have to be prepared.

A conviction can include penalties such as jail and fines. A permanent restraining order can include the above listed conditions as well as preventing you from possessing a firearm, requiring that you attend anger management classes, and almost any other conditions the judge deems appropriate.

Superior Representation For Those Facing Domestic Violence Charges

At Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, we understand what our clients who are facing New Haven domestic assault charges are up against. We are dedicated to helping people secure the best possible resolution to even the most complex cases. For more than 60 years we have been offering the superior criminal defense representation our clients need.

Partner Hugh F. Keefe leads our New Haven criminal defense team. He is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in criminal trial advocacy, as well as being AV* Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system, in addition to having received numerous other honors over the course of his decades of defending his clients’ rights.

Connecticut Domestic Violence Laws

In Connecticut, acts of domestic violence are referred to as family violence. Any incident that involves physical injury or the threat of imminent injury to a family or household member could be charged as a family violence crime. The law defines a family or household member as any of the following:

  • Parents
  • Children
  • Spouses or former spouses
  • People related by blood or marriage
  • People who currently or previously lived in the same household
  • People who have a child together
  • People who are or were previously dating

Types of Domestic Assault Crimes in Connecticut

Many crimes may constitute domestic violence in Connecticut. There are two overarching categories: crimes that involve threats to terrorize the victim, and crimes that involve assault and injury. In cases of physical assault, the state divides these incidents into three categories or degrees based on the severity of the crime. 

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is the most severe domestic assault charge in Connecticut. This crime usually involves intentional actions that cause very serious injuries, or cases of extreme negligence. Usually, first-degree assault involves certain aggravating factors that cause the crime to be charged under this category versus second or third-degree crimes.

Below are a few examples of crimes that qualify as first-degree assault:

  • Intentionally causing serious and permanent disfigurement
  • Intentionally causing amputation or permanent disability
  • Assaulting a pregnant woman and causing her to lose her baby
  • Intentionally causing serious physical injury with a firearm, dangerous instrument, or firearm
  • Recklessly engaging in conduct that shows extreme indifference to human life, creates a risk of death, and causes serious physical injury

First-degree domestic assault is typically charged as a Class B felony. However, if the case involves the assault of a pregnant woman resulting in termination, the crime rises to a Class A felony.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault also involves intent or serious recklessness, but these crimes are not as egregious as first-degree crimes. Connecticut classifies this type of crime as a Class D felony.

Below are a few examples of crimes that may be classified as second-degree assault:

  • Intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person
  • Intentionally causing partial or complete unconsciousness, physical impairment, or injury using drugs or similar means
  • Recklessly causing serious physical injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assaults are the lowest level of domestic assault crimes. These cases involve intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury or causing physical injury with criminal negligence and a deadly weapon, electronic defense weapon, or dangerous instrument. Third-degree assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Assault?

Penalties for domestic assault in Connecticut can vary depending on the type of crime and the presence of any aggravating factors. Below are the maximum penalties for felonies and misdemeanors in the state:

  • Class A felonies result in up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
  • Class B felonies result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
  • Class C felonies result in up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
  • Class D felonies result in up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
  • Class A misdemeanors result in up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $2,000.
  • Class B misdemeanors result in up to 6 months in prison and fines of up to $1,000.

Contact Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante | Get Your Questions Answered

When you or a loved one is facing domestic assault charges, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. The New Haven domestic assault defense lawyers of Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante can help you. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 203-800-7343, toll free at 888-692-7403 or contact us online.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.