Darien CT Domestic Violence Lawyer

Getting arrested for domestic violence in Darien can turn your whole life upside down. One minute you’re in the middle of a heated argument at home, and the next you’re being put in handcuffs and taken to the police station. I see it all the time. Even if things calmed down before the police arrived, Connecticut’s strict domestic violence laws often mean someone is getting arrested.

Darien police take family violence calls very seriously. Under Connecticut’s mandatory arrest law, officers don’t have much choice. If they believe a crime might have happened, they’re required to make an arrest. It doesn’t matter if you and your partner both say it was just a misunderstanding—probable cause is enough.

The very next business day, you’ll be in court. You’ll meet Family Relations, stand before a judge, and almost certainly have a protective order put in place. Domestic violence arrests from Darien are handled at the Stamford Superior Court on Hoyt Street, where all family-violence arraignments for the area take place. These orders can keep you out of your own home, limit contact with your spouse or kids, and disrupt every part of your life. That’s why having an experienced lawyer on your side right away is so important.

Some of the most common charges I see in Darien include:

• Disorderly conduct and breach of peace (by far the most frequent)
• Assault in the third degree (often filed even when the alleged contact is minor)
• Strangulation or unlawful restraint
• Risk of injury to a minor (especially if kids were present when police were called)

When children are in the home, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is often brought in immediately, which creates another layer of stress and complication.

A domestic violence arrest isn’t just about what happens in court—it affects your family, reputation, job, and future. The protective order alone can turn your life upside down.

With more than 30 years of experience defending domestic violence cases in Fairfield County, I know how Darien police handle these arrests, and I know how the Stamford courthouse processes them the next day. I can help you fight for the best possible outcome—whether that’s entering a diversionary program like the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP), pushing for a dismissal, or negotiating a resolution that protects your record.

1) Where will my first court date be after a Darien arrest?
At the Stamford Superior Court on Hoyt Street, usually the next business day. You’ll meet Family Relations and see a judge who will set a criminal protective order.

2) What kinds of protective orders can the judge issue?

• Partial: Contact allowed; no threats/harassment/abuse.
• Residential Stay-Away: You must stay away from the home.
• Full No-Contact: No contact of any kind (calls, texts, social media, third parties).

3) What happens if I violate a protective order?
You can be charged with a new felony, even if the other person says the contact was okay. Follow the order—not private agreements.

4) Will DCF get involved if kids were present?
Often, yes. DCF may investigate immediately. I help clients navigate DCF interviews and plan safe, lawful parenting options.

5) Do Darien police have to arrest someone?
Under Connecticut’s mandatory arrest rule, if officers find probable cause, they must arrest—even if everyone calls it a misunderstanding.

6) Can I go home to get belongings if I’m ordered out?
Only if the order allows it or with a civil standby arranged through police. Don’t risk a violation.

7) Can I see my children while a protective order is in place?
It depends on the type of order. We can ask the court for carve-outs or supervised visitation when appropriate.

8) How are Darien domestic cases commonly resolved?
Many first-time cases resolve through FVEP , which can lead to dismissal if completed successfully. Others resolve by negotiation or motion practice.

9) Do I have to give a statement to police or Family Relations?
You must identify yourself, but you don’t have to discuss facts. Be polite and brief. It’s smart to speak with a lawyer before answering detailed questions.

10) What should I do right now?

• Follow your paperwork and any no-contact terms exactly.
• Save evidence: photos (both sides), texts, call logs, witness names.
• Call me promptly so we can prepare for Family Relations, address housing and parenting issues, and protect your record.

11) Will my arrest show up in the Darien Patch or local newspapers?
In some cases, yes—local outlets sometimes publish police blotter items. If your case is dismissed or erased, we can request updates, corrections, or removal from the publisher. Each outlet has its own policy, so results aren’t guaranteed, but we handle these requests for clients.

If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in Darien, the worst thing you can do is sit back and hope it all goes away. It won’t. The system moves fast, and the earlier you get a lawyer involved, the better your chances of keeping your record clean and your life intact.

Call (203) 357-5555 or fill out my contact form for a free consultation. You don’t have to face this alone—I’m here to help.