Rockville Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence cases are amongst the most complicated that criminal lawyers are called on to defend. Many of these cases involve protective orders that may be difficult to interpret. Additionally, laws are set up to protect potential victims, and the rights of those who are accused may be jeopardized if they are not carefully guarded.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations, it may be helpful to consult a Rockville domestic violence lawyer, even if police have not yet filed criminal charges. An experienced defense lawyer could help with protective orders, the maintenance of rights, and avoiding statements and actions that could be taken out of context and used against you.
Domestic Violence May Include a Wide Range of Conduct
State laws do not prohibit specific actions as domestic violence or define a domestic violence crime. Instead, someone accused of domestic violence is likely to be charged with a violent crime such as assault. However, the charge would be handled differently because of the domestic violence implications. If the person who complained of abuse later wishes to drop the charges, prosecutors are more likely to continue to pursue the case.
Crimes that may be treated as domestic violence in Rockville include:
- Telephone misuse
- Email, text, or social media harassment
- Stalking
- Violation of protective orders
- Harassment
- Assault
- Sexual offense
- Revenge porn
- Attempted rape
- False imprisonment
A domestic violence lawyer in Rockville could seek evidence to refute allegations and show that the person accused did not commit the violation alleged.
Domestic Relationships
Individuals who have a certain standing may request a civil protective order from the court against someone they fear may harm them. Relationships that qualify include spouses, both current and former, anyone related by blood or marriage, or any couple that parents a child together, lived together intimately for at least 90 days during the past year, or had a sexual relationship within the previous year. Additionally, those in a parent or stepparent and child relationship also qualify, as do those in a relationship between a caretaker and a vulnerable adult.
Someone who fears abuse from a person with whom they do not share a qualifying domestic relationship may be able to request a peace order from the court. To obtain this type of order, an individual must be the victim of harassment, stalking, abuse, trespassing, or the malicious destruction of property.
Both peace orders and protective orders may contain provisions requiring the individual in question to avoid contact at home, work, or elsewhere. A local domestic violence lawyer could help determine precisely what conduct is and is not permitted under a peace order or protective order to avoid potential violations.
Consult an Experienced Rockville Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence may involve more than a husband and wife dispute. Any hint of violence against a roommate or dating partner may constitute domestic violence. It is a good idea to talk to a Rockville domestic violence lawyer sooner rather than later if you are facing allegations of domestic violence. A legal advocate could start right away gathering evidence to build a strong defense and represent your interests. Call now to learn more about the benefit an experienced domestic violence attorney could provide in your circumstances.