Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut
Me and my boyfriend got into a fight October 2009 in Manchester, CT. We were not arrested, but were summoned to court. They told us that we had a protective order where we couldn't fight, argue, etc., and were told that we need to get counseling. We let the court know that we couldn't afford counseling and each time we had to appear back in court for them to review our progress, they just said the same thing and we did also. Then months later, we got a different guy who referred us to a program where the counseling would be free. We called the program and they told us that the court never sent over our files. So then we called the court and had to wait for them to send over the files since they forgot. Now, they have our files and they told us the earliest we can come in was September 2nd. This was a couple of days ago. Yesterday me and my boyfriend were arrested in Windsor, CT for violating our protective order since we got into a little brawl. We understand what we did was wrong, but we fill that this may have been avoided if we would have received the help that we needed which was the whole point of having the protective order set in the first place---to try and help us until we got the counseling done. Now this whole thing has been escalated and they are telling us that we could serve up to 5 years in prison. We are good people, in complicated situations and are both very intent on getting anger management and counseling but now they are telling us not to do the counseling and now we they placed restraining orders on us so we can not have any type of communication and or contact.
What advise can you give me? Thank you very much.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Unfortunately, the courts and the "system" are not responsible for sending you to free counseling or finding free counseling. The system is not responsible for "helping" you when it is a criminal matter. You are pretty much on your own to do what is necessary. I can't imagine someone telling you not to do counseling in this situation but even if they did, you shouldn't rely on bad advice.
My best advice considering the facts you present is that you and your boyfriend should end your relationship and you each should get a lawyer. (you may be entitled to a court appointed lawyer, but like everything else, you can't expect the system to provide you with one if you do not qualify)
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