Protective Orders

Dealing with protective orders can be complex, and Pattis & Paz LLC provides legal assistance. We work tirelessly to protect your rights and navigate these challenging situations.

If you have been arrested for a case that is domestic in nature, the court WILL issue a protective order while the case remains pending. These orders are typically issued immediately after an arrest—the very next day. At this point, many individuals do not have legal representation and attend their arraignment alone, which can be a significant misstep. To understand more about the importance of legal representation at such hearings, the team at Pattis & Paz LLC can provide insight and guidance.

A protective order can range from a minimal partial protective order, which mandates that you do not assault, threaten, abuse, harass, or interfere with the protected party—essentially maintaining peace with the complainant while the case is pending. However, protective orders can also be significantly more restrictive. A residential stay-away order, for example, not only includes all stipulations of a partial protective order but also requires you to vacate your residence while the case is pending. This can lead to additional living expenses and time away from your family.

The most severe form is a full no-contact protective order, which prohibits any form of contact with the protected party—this includes phone calls, texts, social media interactions, or communication through a third party. The Pattis & Paz LLC team has witnessed cases where individuals were arrested for seemingly indirect forms of contact, such as social media tags. These orders may also extend to the protected party’s minor children, potentially impacting your ability to communicate with your own children. In cases involving young children, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) might get involved and their reports to the court can influence the level of the protective order based on the family's cooperation with recommended services. Violating any protective order is a Class D felony, which can carry penalties including up to 5 years’ incarceration.

The level of protective order issued at your arraignment is decided based on recommendations from the Family Relations Officer, who uses a checklist that considers the severity of the charges, the parties' histories, any mental health or substance abuse issues, and the complainant's wishes regarding the order level.

It's possible to have protective orders modified, and this process is typically more straightforward if you have an attorney before your arraignment. If you're facing a protective order in Connecticut, contacting Pattis & Paz LLC can be a crucial step in managing your case. Our experienced criminal defense team is ready to provide a consultation and assist you in any way possible to modify your protective order and protect your rights.