Connecticut Senate Bill SB00324

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/16
• Refer: 2/26/16

Caption

An Act Concerning A Temporary Holding Period For Certain Family Violence Arrestees.

Impact

This bill directly impacts the operational procedures for law enforcement agencies when responding to family violence cases. It stipulates that individuals charged with family violence offenses must be held without bond for a certain duration, allowing time for risk assessment. This provision seeks to prevent immediate re-entries by the offenders which could pose a threat to victims. The legislation also includes guidelines on how and when an officer may impose additional non-financial conditions related to the safety of the alleged victim, thereby enhancing protective measures during the judicial process.

Summary

SB00324, titled 'An Act Concerning A Temporary Holding Period For Certain Family Violence Arrestees', aims to amend the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the treatment of individuals arrested for family violence crimes. This legislation establishes a mandatory holding period of up to eight hours for arrestees under specific circumstances—especially where there has been a threat or use of deadly weapons. The intent of this bill is to enhance the safety of victims and mitigate further risks of violence during the immediate aftermath of incidents related to family violence. The bill intends for police officers to assess the situation comprehensively before deciding on release options.

Contention

While the bill addresses significant safety concerns in domestic violence situations, it could also lead to disputes surrounding the definitions and interpretations of 'family violence' and the circumstances that necessitate such a holding period. Law enforcement may face challenges in implementing these provisions consistently. Moreover, there is the potential for a bottleneck in the judicial process, as a mandatory holding could interfere with the swift administration of justice. Critics may argue this could lead to longer detentions without proper judicial review, raising concerns about civil liberties and the right to freedom until proven guilty.