Protective Orders in Connecticut

If you have questions about divorce, legal separation, alimony entitlement, or alimony in Connecticut, please feel free to call the experienced divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport today at 203-221-3100 or email Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.

Protective orders, commonly known as “restraining orders,” are intended to protect victims of abuse, stalking, or harassment by requiring perpetrators to stay a certain distance away for a specified period of time. Such orders are primarily used by victims of domestic violence, but may apply in other circumstances. Connecticut protective orders are valid for six months and may be renewed. A violation of the terms of a protective order can lead to prosecution punishable by fines and jail time.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutes for some form of protection order. However, states call this protection order different things. A victim can renew the protection order, if he or she still feels threatened by his or her abuser. A protection order may include many different provisions, including:

• Firearms Provision: Requiring the abuser to surrender any guns he or she possesses (about 2/3rds of states) and/or prohibiting the abuser from purchasing a firearm
• Counseling Provision: Ordering the abuser to attend counseling, such as batterer’s intervention or anger management
• Peaceful Contact Provision: Permitting the abuser to peacefully communicate with the victim for limited reasons, including care and transfer for visitation of their child
• Move Out Provision: Requiring the abuser to move out of a home shared with the victim

Connecticut law concerning protective orders can be found starting at Connecticut General Statute Section 46b-15.  The duration is typically six months and can be extended.  The penalty for violation of an order is criminal trespass in the first degree for entering or remaining in the dwelling.  The maximum penalty for violation of a protective order is up to one year in jail, up to $2000 penalty, or both.

Who may apply for a protective order?  Any family or household member subjected to a continuous threat of physical pain or injury.  A person in a dating relationship who is subjected to a continuous threat of physical pain or injury can also apply.

A protective order is sent immediately to law enforcement.

If you are in immediate danger for your safety and need emergency assistance, call 911. Victims who want to know more about their legal rights should reach out to an experienced Connecticut family law attorney.

For a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call the experienced family law and divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport, CT at 203-221-3100. We may also be reached for inquiries by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com.

Source: FindLaw