If you have been accused of assault in the third-degree, a Stamford, Connecticut defense lawyer could make a critical difference in the result of your case. An assault in the third-degree lawyer knows how important it is to understand and zealously advocate for your rights. Keep reading and click here to learn more about fighting a DCF investigation during a criminal case.
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-61, assault in the third-degree can happen in one of three ways. When a person intends to cause physical injury to another person and succeeds; when a person recklessly causes serious physical injury to another person; or when, with criminal negligence, a person causes physical injury to another person with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or electronic defense weapon.
Connecticut specifically defines what a physical injury, a serious physical injury, a deadly weapon, and a dangerous instrument are under C.G.S. § 53a-3.
Yes, you can get jail time in Stamford for third-degree assault. This crime is a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of misdemeanor offenses. It carries the potential for up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000.00, up to 2 years on probation, or a mixture of the three.
A top Stamford defense attorney can look at the facts of your specific case to see if the charges could be attacked on Constitutional grounds, for example if the police questioned you without reading you your rights. Additionally, a defense lawyer could argue for alternative penalties wherever possible to keep your record clean and keep you out of jail.
If the alleged victim of the assault was your spouse, your significant other, or someone else you live with or share a familial relationship with, the courts are likely to classify your case as family violence. This means that you will likely be subject to a protective order, you will have to meet with family relations, and if you have children, DCF will likely be called.
If DCF is called following a spousal fight, they will show up to your house to begin their investigation very early on. They will want to speak to you and the person you allegedly fought with, as well as your children. This process is entirely separate from the criminal court. A Stamford defense lawyer could help you on the DCF side of the case with how to answer questions from investigators, and how to gather evidence to rebut the allegations of abuse or neglect.
You do not need to face the criminal justice system alone after an arrest. Having skilled lawyer in your corner could be the first step in securing a positive outcome during a Stamford DCF investigation after a third degree assault arrest. Check out the Firm’s certified 5-star reviews on Avvo.com. To learn more about how an attorney could help you in particular, call Mark Sherman Law today.
