What Constitutes Domestic Violence against a Family Member?

 Posted on June 17, 2015 in Domestic Violence

Facing domestic violence charges is a serious matter. If convicted, defendants may have a criminal record and a potential jail sentence.

Connecticut’s domestic violence laws do not discriminate based on gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, or immigration status, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. If you face domestic violence charges, it is important that you know your rights and consult an attorney with experience handling cases like yours.

Definition of Family Violence

In Connecticut, it is illegal for anyone to assault, threaten, or stalk another person, even if that person is a family member, household member or ex-partner. The state does not consider verbal abuse to be domestic abuse unless it causes physical harm.

Definition of Family or Household Member

Regardless of age, the following people may be a family or household member, according to Connecticut law:

• Spouse or ex-spouse;
• Parents or their children;
• People related by blood or marriage;
• Roommates or people who live together but are not related by blood or marriage;
• People who have a child together, whether or not they were married or lived together; and
• People who are in, or have been in, a dating relationship.

Criminal Offenses

The following criminal offenses are considered domestic violence if they happen between people who fit the above description of family members. All of these offenses have several degrees of prosecution according to the level of harm:

• Assault;
• Threatening;
• Stalking;
• Strangulation;
• Sexual assault; and
• Violation of a court order.

Contact a Criminal Lawyer in Stamford

The judicial system can be unpredictable, but if you face criminal charges, an experienced attorney can answer your questions and offer advice on how to handle them. Daniel P. Weiner is a Stamford criminal attorney with more than 40 years of legal experience. To schedule a free consultation, call Mr. Weiner’s office at 203-348-5846.