College Park Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic Violence is a somber topic, one that can have lasting effect, cause trauma and leave families torn apart. If the government has accused you or a loved of committing domestic violence, there is more at stake then merely your freedom. A charge can have effect on other legal matters, such as cases in family law. It is vital to approach any charge with careful consideration and using the strongest defenses available to you.
It may be imperative that you speak with an attorney who may be able to offer you advice on how to respond to police allegations or deal with the state prosecutor. A distinguished legal representative may be able to help you build up a strong defense and work towards lowering or even eliminating charges against you. See how a College Park domestic violence lawyer may be able to prepare you for the next step.
Maryland Domestic Violence Laws
In Maryland, many of the laws dealing with domestic violence appear in the Family Law Code. The law refers to domestic violence as abuse against a family or household member, which includes the following actions:
- Causing serious physical harm
- Causing someone to be fearful of immediate physical harm
- An act of assault
- Rape, attempted rape, or any act of sexual offense
- Holding someone against their will
- Stalking
- An act of revenge porn
What are Protective Order Petitions?
The court will listen to petitions for protective orders and decide if there are reasonable grounds to conclude that a victim is eligible for relief. If the court concludes there is enough evidence, the court will order a temporary protective order, which will include decisions about who stays in the house and who gets custody of any children involved. The temporary order is effective for seven days and the court may extend it by court order.
The Temporary Order will include a date for a hearing to decide if a Final Protective Order is needed. The judge will make a decision if a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the victim is entitled to a Final Protective Order. That Order can include making decisions as to support, custody, visitation, and possession of any joint residence.
Common Punishments for Domestic Violence
If the courts suspect a person committed an act of domestic violence, the courts can give the victim an Order of Protection. If the suspect violates that order, the court can sentence the suspect to no more than 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. As a College Park domestic violence lawyer knows, the court can punish a subsequent violation with up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
Contact a College Park Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence charges can ruin a person’s reputation and can have effects on areas outside of just criminal matters. In order to minimize any negative fallout, acting quickly tends to be the best way to deal with this type of problem. The government needs to hear your side of the situation to make a decision.
Make sure you enlist the services of an attorney who is familiar with the court system in Maryland and can help you navigate the different legal procedures. See what defenses may be available to you and how you can best protect yourself. Reach out to a College Park domestic violence lawyer.