Connecticut Domestic Violence False Allegations & False Arrests Lawyer

Domestic violence cases in Connecticut are among the most emotional and stressful situations a person can face. Because of the state’s mandatory arrest law, police officers are required to make an arrest whenever they have probable cause to believe that a family violence crime has occurred. This means that in the middle of the night, after an argument or heated exchange, someone almost always ends up in handcuffs—even when the facts are unclear, the evidence is weak, or the allegations are outright false.

I have been defending clients in these situations for more than 30 years. I’ve seen how devastating a false domestic violence allegation can be. It can cost you your reputation, your job, your access to your children, and even your home. You may be forced to surrender firearms, live under restrictive court orders, and answer uncomfortable questions from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The good news: these cases are defensible. With the right legal strategy, thorough evidence review, and courtroom advocacy, we can expose the weaknesses in the allegations, challenge the credibility of the accuser, and put you in the best position for dismissal or program-based resolution.

There are several recurring patterns I see when it comes to false or exaggerated domestic violence claims:

• Divorce and Custody Battles: Some people exaggerate or invent claims during heated family disputes. An arrest and resulting protective order can tilt the balance in custody cases or living arrangements.
• Anger or Revenge: A breakup, jealousy, or financial stress can lead to exaggerated accusations. What started as a shouting match is reported as “threats” or “assault.”
• Misunderstandings: Neighbors overhearing noise, children repeating partial conversations, or police officers arriving at a tense scene often results in one-sided reports that don’t reflect the full truth.
• Mandatory Arrest Law: Connecticut law requires police to arrest someone if there is any probable cause whatsoever that a domestic violence crime occurred. Officers have no discretion. Even if the alleged victim asks them not to press charges, they must make an arrest.

Even if you are completely innocent, a domestic violence arrest has immediate and life-changing consequences:

• Court Appearance the Next Business Day: You will be brought to court for arraignment within 24 hours.
• Protective Orders: Judges almost always issue a protective order against you, ranging from limited “no abuse” orders to full no-contact orders that prevent you from seeing your family or returning home.
• Firearms Surrender: If you own firearms, you must surrender them immediately as a condition of the protective order.
• DCF Involvement: If children were present, DCF often opens a case and contacts you for interviews.
• Reputation Damage: An arrest is public record. Even if your case is later dismissed, the stigma can linger.

At your arraignment, judges typically choose from three levels of protective orders under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-38c:

• Full No-Contact Order – No contact of any kind with the protected party.
• Residential Stay-Away Order – Contact is allowed, but you cannot return to the shared residence.
• Partial / Limited Order – You can return home but must follow strict behavioral rules (no abuse, no threats, no harassment).

Protective orders are temporary and tied to the criminal case. They can be modified later if circumstances improve, but while they remain in place, any violation is treated as a serious felony.

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-223, it is a Class D felony to violate a protective order, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. If the violation involves violence, threats, or stalking-type behavior, the charge can be upgraded to a Class C felony, carrying up to 10 years.

This is why I always warn clients: do not assume you can contact the protected person just because they want to reconcile. Only the court can change or lift a protective order.

Unfortunately, domestic violence arrests are sometimes used as weapons in divorce and custody disputes. For example:

• A spouse may exaggerate what happened during an argument to force you out of the house with a Stay-Away order.
• During custody disputes, a 911 call can be used to create a record that portrays you as violent or dangerous.

These tactics are unfair, but they happen. My job is to show the court the bigger picture: that the claims are inconsistent, unsupported by evidence, and motivated by outside leverage.

Many clients facing false allegations are eligible for the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP). This diversionary program allows you to complete classes and, once finished, your charges are dismissed and erased.

For innocent clients caught up in exaggerated accusations, FVEP can be a strategic way to end the case quickly without waiting a year or more for trial. Taking FVEP is not an admission of guilt; it is a practical option that resolves the case and clears your record.

Every case is different, but these are the strategies I use most often:

• Investigate the Evidence: Review 911 recordings, police body-cam, text messages, emails, social media posts, and witness statements.
• Challenge Credibility: Point out inconsistent statements, hidden motives, and prior history of exaggeration.
• Highlight Lack of Proof: Show that there are no medical records, independent witnesses, or reliable evidence supporting the claims.
• Expose Mandatory Arrest Overreach: Demonstrate where officers made assumptions or rushed an arrest under the law.
• Leverage Diversion: Apply for FVEP when appropriate to achieve dismissal and erasure.
• Go to Trial When Needed: If the case is weak and FVEP is not offered or advisable, prepare to litigate fully.

Because of Connecticut’s mandatory arrest policy, officers are required to make an arrest when they believe probable cause exists, even if the evidence is thin or one-sided.

No. Once a domestic violence arrest is made, the case belongs to the State, not the alleged victim. Even if the complainant recants, only the prosecutor can dismiss.

Yes. With compliance and good behavior, the court can reduce restrictions over time, but a Partial order is the lowest level permitted by law.

You face a new felony charge. Most violations are Class D felonies (up to 5 years), but if threats or violence are alleged, it can rise to a Class C felony (up to 10 years).

In many cases, yes. FVEP can resolve your case in months, clear your record, and save you from the risks of trial. It is a tool, not an admission of guilt.

Domestic violence cases can last a year or longer if contested. FVEP usually leads to dismissal within 6–12 months.

If children were present, DCF often investigates. Always let your lawyer guide those conversations because anything you say can affect both your criminal and family cases.

By collecting texts, call records, photos, and video evidence, along with witness testimony. Your lawyer will use this to expose inconsistencies and weaknesses in the case.

Because the mandatory arrest law requires them to act on probable cause. Even a single accusation can trigger an arrest, regardless of whether there is hard evidence.

Follow the protective order exactly, save all evidence, and avoid social media. Call an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer immediately.

A false domestic violence arrest can flip your entire life upside down in a matter of hours. You don’t have to fight this battle alone. With over 30 years of courtroom experience, I know how to challenge weak evidence, push back against unfair allegations, and guide clients to dismissals or program resolutions that clear their record.

📞 Call me today at (203) 357-5555 or contact me here for a free, confidential consultation and immediate help.