Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About The Family Violence Education Program

If you are charged with a Connecticut domestic violence offense, you may be eligible for the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP). However, it is important to understand that this program is a privilege and not a guarantee. A Connecticut Superior Court judge can grant or deny you this privilege.

The Family Violence Education Program is a two-part program that gives eligible defendants the chance to attend educational and therapeutic classes about domestic violence instead of going to trial and risking a conviction. If you are granted this Connecticut statutory privilege and complete the required classes, your case will be dismissed. You can click here to apply.

On this page, we’ve answered some of the most common questions clients ask about the FVEP.

What should I expect from the Family Violence Education Program?

Here are the parameters:

1. You will be required to undergo an evaluation by the Family Intervention Unit (FIU), and there may be one or more continuances of your case until the FIU generates a report.
2. The court will send a notice to the alleged victim or victims who will have an opportunity to be heard by the court about your Connecticut.
3. There will be a hearing in court during which a Superior Court judge will decide whether to grant you the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program.
4. A judge may impose other conditions upon you, such as community service, if you are granted the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program.

After a period of time ordered by the court and having completed the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program classes and conditions, one of our firm’s attorneys will return to court for you and obtain a dismissal of the charges.

Do I qualify for the FVEP?

The following are some factors that may make you more likely to receive the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program:

• You have not been previously convicted of a family violence/domestic violence crime that occurred on or after October 1, 1986.
• You have not had a previous case assigned to the Connecticut Family Violence Education program.
• You have not been previously granted Accelerated Pretrial Rehabilitation (A.R.) under section 54-56e for a family violence crime on or after October 1, 1986.
• You have not been charged with a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony, or an unclassified felony carrying a term of imprisonment of 10+ years.
• Unless good cause is shown, you have not been charged with a Class D felony or an unclassified offense carrying a term of imprisonment of 5+ years.
• Immediate counseling after your arrest instead of waiting for court-ordered counseling.
• A letter from a duly qualified mental health professional documenting your counseling.

We will work with you to present the strongest case for why you should be allowed to participate.

What are the fees associated with the Family Violence Education Program?

There are two fees:

• Application Fee – $100 (Non-refundable) (Paid to the court)
• Court Fee – $200 (Non-refundable) (Paid to the court once the court grants FVEP)

What is involved in a well-prepared Family Violence Education Program application?

Depending upon the number and complexity of the allegations against you, your case may take a long time to resolve. There is a strategy that only an experienced law firm understands when applying for the privilege of the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program.

When you are in the strongest position to apply for the Connecticut Family Violence Education Program, one of our attorneys will:

1. Represent you in court and in discussions with the Connecticut State’s attorney;
2. Draft your application;
3. Submit your application on the record, in court;
4. Prepare you for questions that the judge will ask you concerning your application.

Our family violence education lawyers also provide risk assessments and recommendations for protecting yourself from prosecution or future charges.

What will be the result of participating in the FVEP?

You will have no conviction and will be entitled under Connecticut law to state that you have never been arrested in connection with this particular case.

Learn More During An Initial Consultation

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your criminal case and your legal options with an attorney from The Maddox Law Firm. You can call (203) 822-6610 or reach out online.

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