Protect Yourself Against Violence or Threats

• Protect yourself. If necessary, run away or drive away.
• Call the police as soon as possible. When the police arrive, as calmly as possible, describe what happened. 
• If you are injured, get medical attention. Go to the emergency room if your physician is not available to see you.
• Photograph any cuts, bruises, or abrasions. Even if the police or personnel at the hospital photograph you, take your own pictures.
• As soon as you have done all of the above, write out, with as much detail as possible, what happened, including who said what to whom. 

If you or your spouse were arrested, the criminal court will take action on the same day or on the next business day. The criminal court may enter a protective order which can include an order preventing the violent spouse from entering the home, requiring the violent spouse to go to counseling services, and/or preventing the violent spouse from contacting the victim and/or any children of the victim.

Call Your Lawyer to Help You Determine the Best Course of Action

You and your lawyer should discuss whether the circumstances warrant going to the family court to obtain an order preventing your spouse from entering the home. That order can be obtained quickly and, in some circumstances, without notice to the violent spouse.

Sometimes a spouse will make a false complaint to “make a record” or to use the criminal charges which ensue as a bargaining chip in the divorce. If your spouse calls the police, regardless of whether you have been violent, insist on speaking to your lawyer before giving any information to the police. If you have been arrested, when the matter comes before the criminal court it is likely that you and your spouse will each be interviewed by a family services counselor. Speak with your lawyer first and get advice about how to deal with that situation.

If I get arrested, will this affect my divorce proceedings?

If arrested, you should hire a lawyer to represent you. The criminal proceeding can adversely affect the divorce. It can cause you to be thrown out of the marital home. It can result in incarceration or a fine or both. Most importantly, it can leave you with a criminal record that may haunt you far beyond your divorce proceedings.

Contact Our Family Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation

The law firm of Ferro & Battey, LLC has a reputation built on integrity and on the quality of our legal counsel. Divorce can be that much more challenging when the separation isn’t amicable. Our compassionate divorce attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and are able to guide you through the process of filing for divorce to achieve the best results for your situation. We’re proud to provide quality legal assistance to clients across Westport, Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Fairfield, CT and the surrounding areas. If you are preparing for a divorce, contact our family law firm to schedule a consultation with one of our divorce lawyers.