Domestic Violence

Connecticut Risk of Injury to a Minor Lawyer

Published on: September 6, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Being arrested for Risk of Injury to a Minor is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences a parent or caregiver can go through. Under Connecticut law, this charge is codified in Connecticut General Statutes §53-21. It’s incredibly broad, and because of that, police often tack it onto cases where children are even near the alleged misconduct.

For example, if you are arrested for domestic violence and children are in the home, you could also face Risk of Injury charges. If you are stopped for DUI with your kids in the car, Risk of Injury is almost always added. Police use this statute as a catch-all to protect children, but it often sweeps up people who never intended to harm anyone.

The stakes could not be higher: Risk of Injury is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a permanent felony record. Beyond that, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) typically becomes involved, placing your parental rights under scrutiny.

What to Do If You’re Falsely Arrested for Domestic Violence in Connecticut

Published on: September 5, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 Getting arrested for domestic violence when you did nothing wrong is one of the most frightening experiences anyone can face. The police show up, emotions are high, and suddenly you’re being handcuffed and taken away—even if the other person never wanted you arrested in the first place.

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.

Walking on Eggshells: Living Under a Protective Order in the Same Home

Published on: September 1, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 Living under a protective order is stressful enough. Add in the fact that you’re still living under the same roof with the protected party, and it can feel like you’re walking on eggshells every single day. Clients tell me this all the time: they feel like they can’t breathe normally in their own home, constantly worried that any wrong move could lead to another arrest.

In Connecticut, protective orders are taken very seriously. Even if you and the protected party both want to live in the same house, the law imposes strict conditions. Violating those conditions — even by accident — can result in a felony charge.

The Three Types of Criminal Protective Orders in Connecticut

Connecticut First-Time Offender Guide: Jail or Second Chance?

Published on: August 29, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

court-300x225 Getting arrested for the first time in Connecticut is terrifying. I hear the same question from almost every client after their first arrest: “Am I going to jail?” The short answer is that while jail is technically possible, in most first-offense cases, there are alternatives that can keep your record clean and keep you out of a cell.

Jail Is Rare for First-Time Offenders

Connecticut judges and prosecutors understand that people make mistakes. The law provides them with tools to resolve first-offense cases without sending someone to jail. Unless your case involves a serious felony, violence, or repeated conduct, jail is usually not the outcome.

Connecticut’s Mandatory Domestic Violence Arrest: How “He Said, She Said” Becomes a Case

Published on: August 28, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

What “probable cause” really means—and why words alone can trigger an arrest

I hear it all the time: “How can they charge me? There’s no evidence—it’s just her word against mine.” In Connecticut, that can still lead to handcuffs. Under the mandatory arrest rule for domestic cases, one sworn statement, along with probable cause, is often sufficient for police to make an arrest—no photos, no video, and no outside witnesses are required.

Quick Snapshot

Why Connecticut Police Make Arrests in Domestic Violence Calls – Even If No One Wants To

Published on: August 27, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 I hear it from clients all the time: “We just had an argument… nobody wanted to press charges. So why did I end up in handcuffs?” The answer is one statute that catches people off guard every single day: Connecticut’s mandatory arrest law for domestic violence cases. Once 911 is dialed and police arrive, you lose control over what happens next. In other situations, clients who were being abused called 911, and they wind up getting arrested, also, and don’t understand why the police would arrest the victim.

At a glance

Probable cause = arrest. In CT domestic calls, if officers believe a crime occurred, they must arrest.

How to Handle a Connecticut Protective Order When You Share a Home or Kids

Published on: August 25, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 If you’ve just been served with a protective order in Connecticut, you may be wondering, “Where will I sleep tonight?” or “How can I see my kids?” For many people, these orders come as a shock—especially when they are issued on the very first court date, often without hearing your side of the story.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we’ve helped clients in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and throughout Connecticut navigate these high-stakes situations for over 30 years. This guide explains what you need to know, what mistakes to avoid, and how we can fight to protect your rights, your family, and your future.

What Is a Connecticut Protective Order?

Connecticut Protective Orders: Types, Modifications, and Terminations Explained

Published on: August 22, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic-Violence-new-Photo-300x200-300x200 Protective orders are one of the most important tools in Connecticut’s legal system to address domestic violence and family disputes. They are designed to protect alleged victims from harm, but they also carry serious implications for those subject to them. Violating a protective order can lead to severe criminal penalties, including felony charges under C.G.S. § 53a-223.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of protective orders in Connecticut—covering what they are, how they are issued, the different types, how to seek modifications or terminations, and why legal representation is essential.

What Is a Protective Order?

What Makes a Crime a Domestic Violence Case in Connecticut, and How Are They Handled Differently?

Published on: August 18, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Domestic violence cases in Connecticut are unique in how they are defined, prosecuted, and resolved compared to other criminal matters. While an assault in a bar and an assault between spouses may involve the same physical conduct, the law treats them very differently because of the relationship between the parties and the broader social concerns surrounding family violence. Understanding these distinctions is critical both for those accused and for their families.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, domestic violence (also referred to as “family violence”) is not a separate criminal charge, but rather a designation applied to certain crimes when they occur between people in particular types of relationships. These include:

What Is the Role of the Family Relations Officer in a Domestic Violence Case in Connecticut?

Published on: August 15, 2025 | by Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer

Lady-Justice--e1581224208144-225x300 When you are arrested on a domestic violence charge in Connecticut, your first court appearance — often called the arraignment — will happen quickly, typically the next business day. One of the first people you will meet at court is not the judge or the prosecutor, but the Family Relations Officer (FRO). Many people are surprised to learn how much influence this person can have over the conditions of your release, the type of protective order imposed, and, in some cases, the entire direction of your case. This article explains in detail the role of the Family Relations Officer in Connecticut domestic violence cases, how they operate within the court system, what you should expect when you meet with them, and why you need to approach this meeting carefully.

Who Is the Family Relations Officer?

A Family Relations Officer is an employee of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division (CSSD). They are not police officers, prosecutors, or defense attorneys — they are neutral court officials assigned to handle cases involving family violence. Their stated mission is to assess risk, provide recommendations to the court, and help ensure both public safety and the fair treatment of defendants.