Howard County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence is defined as any act of violence committed against a person by a person who resides in the same household. It is not necessary for a person to be related to their alleged victim, and the laws governing domestic violence are the same as those that govern other criminal offenses.
Although there are no unique domestic violence laws in the State of Maryland, the court system still takes such charges very seriously, especially when they involve children.
If you have been charged with domestic violence, you could benefit from skilled legal representation. A domestic violence conviction can have far-reaching consequences on your freedom, reputation, career, and parenting rights. Get in touch with a Howard County domestic violence lawyer today to discuss your case.
Defining Domestic Violence
The term “domestic violence” refers to a wide range of criminal behaviors, which are not limited solely to assault or battery. In general, domestic violence refers to any act of violence or intimidation committed that occurs between individuals in the same household, and it can include the following acts:
- Rape and other sexual offenses
- Stalking
- False imprisonment
- Any type of assault
- Acts of extreme violence (ex: manslaughter, attempted murder, etc.)
As stated above, the state takes domestic violence very seriously, and convicted individuals will face a host of potential penalties. Without a Howard County domestic violence lawyer, it can be hard for accused individuals to fight such charges successfully.
Protective and Peace Orders
The state allows alleged victims of domestic violence to file for a protective order against their alleged abuser. Such an order prohibits the alleged abuser from coming in contact with or reaching out to their alleged victim. Once the order is issued by a judge, the alleged abuser may not come near, call, send mail to, or talk to the alleged victim. If they do, they can face additional legal penalties in addition to those they are already facing.
Protective orders also have other, potentially more frustrating effects as well. They can prevent a person from being able to return to their own property (since they reside with the person who filed the order) or collecting their personal belongings. The alleged abuser may also temporarily lose custody of children and pets.
Protective orders are typically only issued against spouses, sexual partners, and family members residing in the same household. Roommates and other unrelated individuals may file for a peace order, which provides them with a similar degree of protection from their alleged abuser.
What is Reckless Endangerment?
Reckless endangerment is a crime often associated with domestic violence, and in Maryland, a conviction can result in up to five years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.
If a person allegedly abuses another person in the presence of others, and the prosecutor feels the other individuals were in danger at the time, they can charge the alleged abuser with reckless endangerment.
How a Howard County Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help
If you are currently facing charges related to domestic violence, it is important to act fast and hire an experienced Howard County domestic violence lawyer. A domestic violence conviction can uproot your life, and if you are a parent, it can even result in you losing custody of your children.
By working with an attorney, you can protect yourself legally and ensure your life and livelihood are not ruined by domestic violence charges. Talk to a Howard County domestic violence attorney about your charges now.