Charles County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence is defined as any violence that occurs between members of the same household. Domestic violence refers to a wide range of criminal acts, ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, and if you are convicted, you could lose your freedom, career, and any ability to live a normal life.
If you are currently facing domestic violence charges, you may feel confused and powerless. Domestic violence charges could be remarkably difficult to fight alone, so you should hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you. It may be possible to get your charges dropped or reduced.
Call a Charles County domestic violence lawyer now to learn more.
Maryland Domestic Violence Laws
The State of Maryland does not have any explicit laws prohibiting domestic violence. Instead, if a person is convicted of a domestic crime, such as stalking, child abuse, or assault, they would be charged with the crimes they committed. More serious penalties may be issued if the act of violence is committed against a child or while a child is in the home.
Defendants may be barred from keeping or purchasing firearms while they are subject to a protective order. A protective order could also prevent a person from seeing their spouse or children or entering their family home. There are numerous consequences of a domestic violence conviction, and for this reason, those charged with such crimes should seek out the help of a Charles County domestic violence lawyer.
Defining Domestic Violence
The Maryland Criminal Code defines domestic violence as any act of violence that occurs between members of the same household or family. As such, any of the following transgressions can be considered forms of domestic violence:
- Actual or attempted rape
- Physical assault
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Stalking
- Creating a climate of fear
It should also be noted that a domestic violence victim does necessarily have to be related or married to the perpetrator. Any household member or an adult without the ability to function on their own physically or mentally could be a victim of domestic abuse.
To preserve the possibility of a favorable courtroom outcome, alleged offenders need to consider speaking to a Charles County domestic violence lawyer.
Potential Penalties
There are numerous consequences for domestic violence, including the following:
- Significant fines
- Jail time
- Potential probation
- Employment termination
- Loss of housing
If a person is convicted of domestic violence, their criminal record could also prevent them from finding new employment or housing or passing a background check. Arrest and conviction records are public information, so individuals may find their reputation in the community tarnished.
If a person is in the middle of a custody battle, they could potentially lose custody of their children. Courts are far less likely to award custody of a child to a person who has been convicted of domestic violence.
Those who are in the United States on a visa could also lose the ability to apply for permanent citizenship if they are convicted of domestic violence. The US government is far less likely to allow a convicted abuser into the country, and in the worst cases, a person could be deported back to their home country. In any situation, a Charles County domestic violence lawyer could help alleged offenders.
Contact a Charles County Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have been charged with an act of domestic violence, you may still be able to clear your name and get your life back. An experienced attorney may be able to help you craft a defense to your charges and prove you did not commit the crime you are accused of.
Contact a Charles County domestic violence lawyer today to get started.