Accused of Harassment Over Text Messages?  Here’s what it means.

Most people accused of harassment by text aren’t “criminals.” They’re regular people caught in an emotional moment — after a breakup, during a stressful custody dispute, or on a night when anxiety boiled over. I tell clients this all the time: you are not alone, and this one incident does not define you. There are defenses, and there are ways to protect your record.

The Law in Plain English

The Fear That Goes Beyond Court

A domestic violence arrest in Connecticut can shake your entire world in an instant. One moment you’re at home, maybe in the middle of an argument. Next, the police are at your door, and suddenly you’re in handcuffs, facing charges you never imagined.

The shock of that moment is overwhelming — but for many of my clients, the fear doesn’t stop there. Beyond court dates, bond conditions, and protective orders, there’s a bigger question looming: “Am I going to lose my career over this?”

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

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

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.

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?