Domestic violence cases are complex, and the potential impact to both parties is significant. Possible outcomes for a domestic violence case could mean that the defendant is separated from their family or prevented from living in their home. Sometimes, defendants can be stopped from seeing their children. These cases are intense, and the stakes are high.
Because there’s so much on the line, it’s important to understand the law and how to defend your case properly. Fortunately, consulting an experienced domestic violence lawyer can make the process much easier for you. Working with legal experts that understand the law, and who can craft a solid defense will improve your odds of success.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Germantown, Maryland, get in touch with our defense lawyers for a free consultation.
Germantown Domestic Violence Laws
Technically, there is no law explicitly prohibiting domestic violence in Maryland. Rather, when the defendant is accused of a domestic violence attack like assault, stalking, or making threats, they are often charged with varying degrees of assault or harassment charges under Maryland law.
Charges get more complicated when circumstances change. For example, if a child is in the home when domestic violence occurred, child abuse charges may also be filed. Other possible outcomes to domestic violence include protective orders which prevent the defendant from going near the victim. Other stipulations of these orders include avoiding contact of any kind and preventing the defendant from entering a home or seeing children.
Domestic violence penalties can result in more than just criminal charges. Because consequences can be so impactful, it is in your best interest to consult a domestic violence attorney. A great defense team will help you navigate your legal situation with your best interests in mind.
Types of Domestic Violence Offenses
Maryland statute uses broad language when defining domestic violence. Therefore, domestic violence can include a wide spectrum of acts that occur within the household. Some of these acts that count as domestic violence offenses include:
- Assault
- Rape or attempted rape
- False imprisonment
- Imminent fear of harm
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Kidnapping
- Serious bodily harm
With domestic abuse, the accused doesn’t have to be married or formerly married to the victim for charges to count. Any victim who is living with the accused can claim domestic violence offense as well as blood or adopted relatives, children, step parents, and cohabitating partners.
How Can Domestic Violence Accusations Affect You?
When another person accuses you of domestic violence in the home, you can feel immediate impacts on your life. The other party may attempt to press charges against you, or file for a protective order which would substantially impact your home life.
Under Maryland law, law enforcement can arrest you without a warrant if they believe that you are in violation of any type of protective order including a temporary or interim order. This means that it’s possible for you to be arrested and taken into custody if an officer simply believes that you are violating an order. They must reasonably believe that battery has occurred, and that the accused will continue to cause harm and injury.
Other areas of your life where domestic violence can affect you include marital status, child custody, property claims, and protective orders.
Protective Orders and Domestic Violence
If you have been accused of domestic violence against someone in your home, a protective order may be filed against you. Commonly known as restraining orders in other states, protective orders prevent you from being in the presence of the other party or contacting them in any way.
Protective orders may also prevent you from living in the same home as the accuser, maintaining custody of children, pets, and can result in surrendering firearms for the length of the order.
Before an order is officially granted, the accuser will have to file a petition for the order at which point they will be issued a temporary order. After the temporary order is issued, there will be a hearing where both parties will be present to share any evidence and plead their cases before a judge. It’s after this hearing where the judge will decide whether or not to issue the official protective order.
Consulting a protective order attorney will be helpful in order to prevent a protective order or other charges from being filed.
How Can I Defend Myself from Domestic Violence Charges?
Facing domestic violence charges is a serious situation that requires an experienced legal defense. Fines, protective orders, and prison time are potential consequences of such charges. Having a criminal record can negatively impact job opportunities, relationships, opportunities for loans, and child custody.
Because the possible outcomes to the case are so negatively severe, the best course of action is consulting a domestic violence attorney. A great legal team will do all they can to craft the best possible defense to help you in your case.
An attorney who specializes in domestic violence will know every possible defense and go about navigating your particular case with expertise.
Contacting A Germantown Domestic Violence Attorney
If you’re accused of domestic violence in Germantown, MD, you need to get in touch with a top rated domestic violence lawyer right away. Our team has decades of experience defending domestic violence cases, and helping our clients get the best possible outcome every time.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your case.