This happens all the time in Connecticut because of the mandatory arrest law. If police believe there is any probable cause whatsoever that a family violence crime occurred, they must make an arrest. They have no choice, no discretion. Even if the alleged victim begs them not to arrest you, the law requires it.
As a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience handling domestic violence cases, I see false arrests more often than you might think. The good news is these cases are very defensible. If you act quickly and make smart decisions, you can protect your rights and position your case for dismissal.
Why False Arrests Happen
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Arguments get exaggerated — what started as yelling gets reported as threats or abuse.
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Custody or divorce leverage — arrests are sometimes used as weapons in family court.
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Police must act — even one person’s word is often enough for an arrest.
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Misunderstandings — neighbors call 911 after hearing noise, and things spiral.
What Happens Right After the Arrest
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Arraignment the next day — you’ll be brought to court on the very next business day.
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Protective order issued — the judge may bar you from going home or contacting your spouse/partner.
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Firearm surrender — any guns must be turned in immediately.
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DCF involvement — if children were present, the Department of Children and Families may open a case.
Protective Orders You Might Face
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Full No-Contact Order – no communication of any kind.
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Residential Stay-Away Order – you can talk, but you can’t return to the home.
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Partial Order – allows you to live at home but under strict restrictions.
⚠️ Warning: Violating a protective order is always a felony. Even one text message can trigger a new arrest.
Penalties for Violating a Protective Order
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Class D felony – up to 5 years in prison for a general violation.
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Class C felony – up to 10 years if violence, threats, or harassment are alleged.
How to Defend Against a False Allegation
Collect digital evidence – texts, emails, and call logs often prove what really happened.
Use witnesses and video – body-cam footage and third-party statements can reveal inconsistencies.
Expose contradictions – false allegations often collapse under close scrutiny.
Show the bigger picture – in custody or divorce disputes, we can demonstrate ulterior motives.
Leverage diversionary programs – the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP) can lead to dismissal and erasure of charges even if the allegations were false.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was I arrested if I didn’t do anything?
Because of Connecticut’s mandatory arrest law. If police believe there’s probable cause, even based on minimal evidence, they must arrest someone. This is why false arrests are so common.
2. Can the victim drop the charges?
No. Once you are arrested, the prosecutor—not the alleged victim—controls the case. The accuser’s wishes may be considered, but they cannot end the case on their own.
3. Can protective orders be lowered?
Yes. By following the rules and staying out of trouble, we can ask the judge to modify your order. Courts often reduce orders from Full No-Contact to Stay-Away, and eventually to a Partial order.
4. What happens if I violate the protective order?
You’ll be charged with a felony. A general violation carries up to 5 years in prison, while violations involving threats or violence carry up to 10 years.
5. Should I take FVEP if I’m innocent?
Often yes. FVEP is not an admission of guilt—it’s a way to dismiss and erase the charges quickly instead of waiting years for trial.
6. How long will my case last if I fight it?
Domestic violence cases can last a year or more if contested. With FVEP, dismissal usually happens within 6–12 months.
7. What happens if DCF contacts me?
If children were present, DCF likely will. Always let your lawyer handle communications to protect both your criminal case and your parental rights.
8. How do I prove the allegations are false?
Save everything—texts, emails, photos, videos. Provide all evidence to your lawyer so we can show inconsistencies and raise doubt.
9. Will this arrest show up on background checks?
Yes. Even pending charges appear in court records and may be visible to employers or landlords. Getting your case dismissed and erased is the best way to protect your future.
10. What should I do right now?
Follow the protective order exactly, save every piece of evidence, and call an experienced lawyer immediately. Acting fast makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
A false domestic violence arrest can feel like your entire life is collapsing. But these cases are often very beatable. With the right defense strategy, you can protect your record, your family, and your future.
Call a Connecticut Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today
If you’ve been falsely arrested for domestic violence, don’t wait. The court process moves fast, and the wrong step can make things worse.
I’ve spent over 30 years defending people in Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Bridgeport against false allegations. I know how to expose weak evidence, protect your rights, and fight for dismissal.
📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555 or contact me online for a free and confidential consultation.