Domestic Violence Attorneys in MD Committed to Your Defense
When facing the consequences of any type of alleged domestic violence, you need legal assistance immediately. Both civil and criminal proceedings can have serious implications for your future. The Maryland domestic violence lawyers at Maronick Law LLC recognize just how much is at stake in both civil and criminal proceedings, and we’re prepared to provide the strong defense you need.
Legal representation you can rely on begins with a free, confidential consultation. Contact us today to retain skilled domestic violence attorneys in MD who are ready to stand by you.
How to Fight Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland
Matters of domestic violence in Maryland can include both civil domestic violence proceedings and criminal charges. It’s essential that your Maryland domestic violence lawyers take a strong stance on both aspects of your case. Anything said in a civil domestic violence hearing can subsequently be used in criminal cases, and the consequences of even a civil domestic violence proceeding could restrict your freedom.
You need to fight the domestic violence case against you with everything you’ve got, including seasoned Maryland domestic violence lawyers.
Facing Domestic Violence Charges? We Can Help You.
Speak With an Experienced Maryland Domestic Violence Lawyer
443-351-6657Civil Domestic Proceedings in Maryland
Civil domestic violence proceedings in Maryland may involve the alleged victim seeking a protective order against you. If granted, a protective order may establish restrictions such as the following:
- No contact with the accuser
- Prohibition of returning to a shared home
- Restrictions on going to certain places, such as your accuser’s workplace or school
- Restrictions on seeing any shared children if your accuser is awarded temporary custody
A no-contact order may affect your life in ways beyond simply not reaching out to the protected party. If you and the party with whom you’re restricted from contact coincidentally end up at the same event, retail store, or other environment, you may have to leave to avoid facing harsh criminal penalties, even if your presence there had nothing to do with your accuser. Violating a protective order, even if your presence in the vicinity of your accuser was unintentional and you are not interacting with this person in any way, is a crime that could send you to prison.
Just because someone petitions the court to file a protective order against you doesn’t mean one is automatically granted. There is a legal process for granting protective orders, during which you can have Maryland domestic violence lawyers like Maronick Law LLC defend you and argue your case for challenging the petition.
What Criminal Charges Are Involved in Domestic Violence Cases in Maryland?
When you or a loved one is accused of domestic violence in Maryland, it’s important to understand that the term “domestic violence” does not refer to a single criminal charge. Instead, it describes a category of offenses involving violence or threats between individuals in specific personal relationships—such as spouses, former spouses, current or former partners, family members, or cohabitants.
At Maronick Law LLC, our Maryland domestic violence lawyers are well-versed in the various criminal charges that often arise in these cases. We build customized legal defenses designed to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.
Common Criminal Charges in Maryland Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence allegations may involve one or more of the following offenses:
- Assault Crimes: First-degree assault (a felony) involves serious bodily injury or use of a weapon, while second-degree assault (a misdemeanor) includes physical harm or the threat of harm. Both can carry significant prison time and fines.
- Sexual Offenses: These may include rape, sexual assault, or non-consensual sexual contact. Convictions can result in years of incarceration and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- False Imprisonment: Preventing someone from leaving a location—such as locking a partner in a room—can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.
- Stalking and Harassment: Repeated unwanted contact, threats, or surveillance can result in criminal charges and civil protective orders. Convictions may include jail time and restrictions on firearm ownership.
- Violation of Protective Orders: Disobeying a court-issued protective or peace order is a criminal offense in Maryland. Even first-time violations can lead to up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
- Child Abuse or Neglect: Allegations of harm or endangerment to a child—especially in the context of a domestic dispute—can lead to serious charges with long-term consequences, including loss of custody or parental rights.
- Revenge Porn and Digital Harassment: Distributing intimate images without consent or using electronic communication to intimidate a partner can also fall under Maryland’s domestic violence statutes and carry criminal penalties.
Assault and other crimes that allegedly occur in the context of domestic violence in Maryland are handled by specially trained prosecutors in a domestic violence unit. Like instances of the same offense that do not involve family members or intimate partners, criminal charges for these violations can be filed at different levels of severity. Some domestic violence crimes are misdemeanors, but many, especially those that involve significant injuries to the alleged victim, are felony offenses.
Enhanced Penalties and Consequences
In domestic violence cases, the personal relationship between the parties can elevate the seriousness of the charges. Penalties for domestic violence crimes depend on the specific violation and degree with which you are charged. In general, a conviction of a domestic violence-related offense can result in
- Fines, probation, and jail time
- Mandatory firearm restrictions
- Difficulty securing employment or housing
- Enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders
- The issuance of long-term protective orders
- Impacts on custody or visitation in family court
Because these cases are highly sensitive and carry both criminal and civil consequences, it’s critical to work with skilled domestic violence attorneys in MD who understand how to defend your rights and reputation from the very beginning. Even if you fully believe that the allegations against you are false or exaggerated. A strong defense is essential for minimizing the impact these charges can have on your future.
How Maronick Law LLC Can Help
The Maryland domestic violence lawyers at Maronick Law LLC defend clients against both criminal charges and civil protective order filings. We’re committed to ensuring the accused receive the fair treatment they’re entitled to under the law and advocating for the best interests of every client we serve.
Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges
Violent crimes, specifically those involving domestic violence, are highly stigmatized. You need to put your best foot forward with a strategic defense backed by compelling evidence and solid legal arguments.
Our domestic violence attorneys in MD craft individualized defense strategies for every client based on the specific facts of their unique situation. You can count on us to explore every potential defense argument that may apply to your situation. Possible lines of defense we might consider include:
- False accusations, such as mistaken identity and victim dishonesty or exaggeration
- Injuries arising out of other causes, such as accidents, acts of self-defense, or violence inflicted by another party
- Improper procedures for evidence collection and arrest, such as constitutional rights violations, illegal search and seizure, police errors, and violation of due process
- Insufficient evidence that fails to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, as is required for a conviction in Maryland
Our goal in presenting any of these arguments or any other legal defense is to achieve the most beneficial outcome possible for your situation. Depending on the case against you, that might mean seeking to get all of the charges dropped, get serious charges reduced to less severe charges, or get improperly obtained evidence suppressed. We will help you understand the risks and benefits of negotiating a plea deal compared to taking your case to trial, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case.
Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?
To preserve your rights and protect your future, you need a team of attorneys ready to address all issues involved in your domestic violence case.
Extensive Legal Experience
At Maronick Law LLC, our lawyers have more than 80 years of collective legal experience. We’ve confronted challenges of all kinds and helped our clients overcome them, and we draw from this wealth of experience as we manage all aspects of your domestic violence case.
Full-Service Representation for Civil and Criminal Domestic Violence Issues
Your civil domestic violence proceedings may be a separate case from any criminal charges you’re facing, but both legal matters can pose significant consequences and impact each other. Maronick Law LLC is prepared to confront all civil and criminal issues involved in your domestic violence case.
Compassionate Client Service
When you’ve been accused of domestic violence and are facing criminal charges, a civil protective order hearing, and the significant impact such allegations can have on your reputation, you can feel like you’re facing this conflict alone. Our attorneys recognize that you deserve to have your side of the story heard, and we’re committed to approaching your case with the utmost compassion for the ordeal you’re going through.
Contact the Maryland Domestic Violence Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to take action when accused of domestic violence in any form, whether in a criminal matter, a civil matter, or both. The sooner you enlist the help of experienced domestic violence defense lawyers, the more we can do to investigate and prepare your case for a favorable outcome and reduce the stress that can accompany the legal process.
For help from reputable domestic violence attorneys in MD contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-351-6657 today.