Meeting with the Family Relations Officer in a Connecticut Domestic Violence Case

In Connecticut domestic violence cases, what happens in the first few hours can change everything. One of the most crucial moments? Your meeting with the Family Relations Officer (FRO)—and what you say (or don’t say) during that meeting can affect where you live, whether you see your kids, and how your case moves forward.

Being arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut is frightening and overwhelming. You may be worried about where you’ll sleep tonight, whether you’ll see your children, and what will happen in Stamford Superior Court, Norwalk Superior Court, or Bridgeport Superior Court.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, I understand what you’re going through. For over 30 years, I’ve guided clients across Connecticut through this process. I know how high the stakes are, and I know how to protect your rights from the very start.

A Family Relations Officer (FRO) is a Connecticut Judicial Branch employee whose role is to:

• Evaluate the circumstances of the case and assess risk to the alleged victim.
• Recommend release conditions and the type of domestic violence protective order the judge should issue.
• Suggest services or programs, such as the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP).

Although FROs are intended to be neutral, their recommendations carry tremendous weight. Judges often adopt them, making this meeting one of the most important steps in your domestic violence arraignment.

You’ll meet the FRO on the morning of your first court date (arraignment)—before you see the judge. The FRO will:

• Review the police report and any statements.
• Ask about your background, living situation, and relationship dynamics.
• Prepare a written recommendation for the judge and prosecutor.

The outcome of this meeting can determine whether you can return to your home that night or face a full no-contact order.

The FRO’s report sets the tone for your entire case. It can:

• Determine whether you receive a full no-contact order or a partial contact order.
• Influence the prosecutor’s position.
• Affect eligibility for the Family Violence Education Program FVEP).

I tell clients all the time: walking into this meeting unprepared is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

This is the single most important step. I will:

• Review the allegations and your priorities.
• Coach you on what to say—and what not to say.
• Attend the meeting with you whenever possible to protect your rights.

Expect practical questions such as:

• “Where will you stay if ordered to leave your home?”
• “Were children present?”
• “Any prior incidents or arrests?”

Answer basic background questions honestly, but do not discuss the facts of the alleged incident. Those issues belong in court—with your lawyer.

Helpful items include:

• Proof of employment or school enrollment.
• Counseling or treatment verification (if applicable).
• Letters from employers, clergy, or respected community members.

• Minimizing the situation. Saying “it was nothing” can make you appear risky or uncooperative.
• Discussing the incident. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
• Going in alone. Without preparation, you risk overly harsh conditions that disrupt work, parenting, and housing.

After the meeting:

• The FRO’s recommendation goes to the judge and prosecutor.
• The judge issues a protective order—often closely tracking that recommendation.
• Your lawyer can challenge unreasonable conditions at arraignment and later file a motion to modify once you’ve complied and circumstances improve.

Do not go into this meeting unprepared. The Family Relations Officer’s report can affect everything that follows—your freedom, your family, and your future.

Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer today at (203) 357-5555 or use our secure contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. I’ll prepare you for your Family Relations interview, protect you in Stamford, Norwalk, or Bridgeport Superior Court, and fight to keep your life on track.

Take Control of Your Case Today

Your first court appearance in a Connecticut domestic violence case can set the tone for everything that follows. Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555 now to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, prepare you for the Family Relations process, and fight to protect your rights and your family. You can also complete our secure online contact form, and we will respond promptly.