Harford County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Being accused of engaging in any kind of abuse against a family or household member can have serious repercussions in criminal court and your personal and professional life. The accusation alone can prompt a court to impose significant restrictions against you. You can be prohibited from going certain places, speaking to certain people, or even responding to an online message from a family member you allegedly put in harm’s way.
However, being charged with a domestic violence offense does not guarantee you will be convicted of criminal wrongdoing, especially if you have a dependable defense attorney’s help. A Harford County domestic violence lawyer from our firm could be your ally throughout your case proceedings. We could work tirelessly to protect your interests and achieve a positive resolution for you.
How Does State Law Address Abuse of Family Members?
Like many other states, Maryland does not define domestic violence as a distinct crime. Instead, courts can label certain types of offenses as domestic violence before, during, and after trial. This can change how the court investigates and prosecutes charges and what kinds of sanctions the defendant might face.
Under Maryland Code, Family Law § 4-501, an individual abuses a family member, household member, or intimate partner by committing any of these criminal acts against them:
- Any degree of assault
- Any form of rape or sexual assault
- Stalking
- False imprisonment
- Revenge porn
- Any act that causes serious physical injury or a reasonable fear of it
A Harford County attorney from our firm could discuss whether your pending charges may be considered domestic violence and what strategy could effectively address them.
Possible Consequences of a Domestic Violence Allegation
Because domestic violence can take various forms, the length of imprisonment terms and the value of punitive fines for it can change significantly depending on the circumstances. Some offenses are misdemeanors, and others are felonies. Repeat offenders may face enhanced penalties upon conviction that are more serious than the ones first-time offenders may face.
In nearly every domestic violence case, the court is likely to issue a protective order restricting the defendant from engaging in certain behavior involving the party they allegedly abused. This order, which remains in effect during the defendant’s criminal trial, can substantially limit their personal freedom. If there is a protective order against you, a skilled domestic violence lawyer from our firm may be able to help negotiate for more fair terms during your pre-trial proceedings in Harford County.
Contact Our Attorney if You Were Accused of Domestic Violence in Harford County
If you face domestic violence allegations, handling them proactively can be challenging for legal and personal reasons. Fortunately, support is available from experienced legal professionals who have achieved favorable outcomes in similar cases and could enforce your rights as a defendant without really compromising your privacy.
A Harford County domestic violence lawyer from our firm could answer your pressing questions and make you feel confident about the handling of your unique case. Call us today at Price Benowitz to schedule a free case evaluation.