News from:
State Rep. Craig Fishbein, 90th Representing Cheshire and Wallingford
_________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release: May 4, 2018 Rep. Craig Fishbein: 1-800-842-1423 Jamison C. Bazinet, Press: (860) 240-8726
During Thursday’s floor debate on H.B. 466, I didn’t illustrate my point to a level appropriate for this sensitive subject. I’ve been an attorney for 17 years, and during that time I have worked with clients in emotionally charged situations such as disputed divorce proceedings on a nearly daily basis. I have seen first-hand how difficult it is to ascertain the truth and to determine fault. I have been involved in court proceedings where there has been a clear aggressor and in proceedings where there have been false accusations made in order to sway both police and prosecutors - the point I tried to describe to my House colleagues Thursday. Though well-intentioned, the legislation concerned me because it puts police officers in a position to serve as judge and jury while still on the scene in very emotionally charged domestic violence situations. The terminology “dominant aggressor” in the bill assumes a police officer on the scene of an alleged crime can quickly and easily determine who, exactly, is the aggressor and unfairly puts officers in difficult situations where they must act as the judiciary. Again, my professional experience has shown me the devastating toll domestic violence has on the lives of victims - and that first-hand knowledge has and will continue to influence my work at the capitol whenever this topic arises.
-30Representative Fishbein represents the 90th district covering Cheshire and Wallingford.
Room 4200 Legislative Office Building Hartford, CT 06106-1591 (860) 240-8700 1-800-842-1423