What Is The Domestic Violence Arraignment Process In Windsor CT?
If you and your partner have been arguing for some time, things at home can escalate very quickly. Perhaps you did or said something, maybe as retaliation or to defend yourself, and immediately regretted it. But then your partner calls the police, and now you’re being arrested and accused of domestic violence.
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you will be required to go to court, regardless of whether you’re guilty or not, on the next business day for your arraignment. Courts take arraignments for domestic violence extremely seriously. The judge will need to make many decisions during the arraignment, which could have significant consequences on your life. This is why you have to be ready and know what you should expect before heading to your arraignment.
Understanding The Domestic Violence Arraignment Process
During your arraignment, which is your first court date, a couple of things can happen:
- Before your case is called, you will discuss your situation with a family relations officer. The officer will ask you about your relationship with the alleged victim, your background, and the circumstances of the domestic violence incident.
- Your accuser will also meet with the officer to get their side of the story. The judge will then use the report from these meetings to figure out the most suitable conditions of release for you.
- If you are still being held in jail at the time of your arraignment, the judge must determine whether your arrest was lawful.
- The judge will also need to decide whether to reduce or increase the bond set by the bail commissioner or police. If you have the means to make bail, you will be released.
- The judge will likewise have to decide if a protective order must be made.
- Your next court date will be set. Keep in mind you may have to go to court a couple of times before your case concludes.
- The judge may ask you to enter your plea. Take note, though, that judges don’t normally require this during arraignments.
You must likewise keep in mind you will not be discussing the specific circumstances of your case during the arraignment. The main goals of the arraignment are to figure out the conditions of your release and which level of a protection order is necessary.
The entire arraignment process for domestic violence cases can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly if this is the first time you’re being arrested or charged with something. Also, since protection orders can lead to your removal from your home and your inability to speak to the alleged domestic violence victim, it is crucial to get advice from a skilled Windsor domestic violence defense lawyer before your arraignment date.
Talk To A Skilled Windsor CT Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Now
Facing domestic violence charges or have any questions about your domestic violence case? To find out how our Windsor domestic violence defense lawyer can help with your case, you can set up a free evaluation of your case by calling 860-644-1548 or completing our quick online form.
