Prince George’s County Domestic Violence Lawyer
With its close proximity to the nation’s capital and a population of 881,138, Prince George’s County is a thriving area that has much to offer, yet faces the social challenges of crime as well.
According to the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, there were 17, 931 domestic violence crimes in the state in 2010. The growing public awareness of the issue through media campaigns and law enforcement initiatives brings greater public scrutiny for those charged with a domestic violence crime. As the government takes these charges so seriously, it may be in your best interest to consult with a Prince George’s County domestic violence lawyer if you have been accused of one of the following criminal offenses:
- Abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult
- An act that either causes serious bodily harm to the victim, or causes them to be in fear that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm
- Assault
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
- Sexual offenses, including rape or attempted rape
- Stalking
Protective Orders in Prince George’s County
Protective orders restrict contact between the victim and alleged abuser, affect visitation and custody of children, and may prohibit the ability to reside in one’s home.
Under Maryland Family Code Section 4-509, violations of an interim, temporary, or final protective order are charged as misdemeanors. First offenses have a penalty of 90 days in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both; second offenses have a penalty of one year in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.
Assault Laws in PG County
First-degree assault as part of a domestic incident is a felony. Under Maryland Criminal Code Section 3-202, first-degree assault is the act of making a deliberate attempt to cause serious physical injury. A conviction carries up to a 25-year prison term.
Second-degree assault—attempting to cause, or causing, bodily harm—is a misdemeanor with a possible fine of up to $2,500, up to a ten-year prison sentence, or both.
Reckless Endangerment Laws
Reckless acts or behaviors that could cause physical injury or death are charged as misdemeanors. A conviction for domestic reckless endangerment in PG County carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.
Child Abuse and Kidnapping Laws
Child abuse and kidnapping are considered felonies.
Abuse of a child that results in serious injury or death is charged as a first-degree offense, and a conviction results in a prison term of up to 25 years for injury, and up to 30 years for death. Second-degree charges are filed for any abuse of a child, and a conviction carries up to a 15-year prison sentence.
Kidnapping of a child can result in a sentence of 20 to 30 years, or life in prison with no possibility of parole if a sexual offense is committed in conjunction.
Stalking Laws in Prince George’s County
The emotion involved in domestic violence cases and the restrictions of protective orders lend themselves to situations in which charges of stalking could be filed against you. Stalking is defined as following a person with the intent to make them fearful of being harmed, or any behavior that should reasonably be understood might cause fear in another. A domestic violence charge of stalking is a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.
Vulnerable Adult Laws in PG County
The term “vulnerable adult” refers to adults who are unable to take care of themselves physically or mentally. If you are charged with domestic abuse of a vulnerable adult—meaning an adult who mentally or physically is not able to care for him or herself—in PG County, you could be convicted of a felony and serve ten years in prison, pay a $10,000 fine, or both.
Call Our Prince George’s County Domestic Violence Attorneys
Domestic violence can shatter families and negatively affect all areas of your life. If you have been served with a protective order or charged with a crime of domestic violence, you will need the best representation in Prince George’s County to protect your rights, privacy, and future.
Our domestic violence attorneys understand that the tension of child custody and divorce issues often leads to false allegations between family or household members, and that abuse can occur regardless of gender. One of our Prince George’s domestic violence lawyers will examine all the contributing factors in your individual case and forge a plan of action to bring about the most positive result possible for your particular situation.
