Legal Help for Domestic Violence Cases in Owings Mills

Domestic violence cases can be very complicated, and the consequences can be damaging and long-lasting, even before a verdict is reached. You need an experienced, compassionate domestic violence lawyer in Owings Mills, MD, to protect your rights during such an emotionally trying time. At the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg, we will protect your rights and ensure you understand what to expect throughout the legal process.

What Is Domestic Violence in Maryland?

Domestic violence is physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse committed by one family member or intimate partner against another. You can be charged with domestic abuse if you are suspected or accused of committing harm to your spouse, roommate, domestic partner, partner, child, stepchild, foster child, or another child or vulnerable adult in your care. You can also be charged with abuse or neglect if you are suspected or accused of harming an elderly or vulnerable adult who depends on your care at your place of employment. Domestic abuse or domestic violence charges are a criminal matter and require representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Charges can include:

• Stalking
• False imprisonment
• Attempted rape or an attempted sexual offense
• Actual rape or a sexual offense
• Physical assault
• An act that causes (the fear of) serious bodily harm

How We Can Help in Domestic Violence Cases?

It’s important to note there is no specific law or set of laws that explicitly prohibit domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, the defendant must be charged with one of the acts above. There are two ways we can help you if you are the victim of domestic violence in Maryland: protective orders and peace orders:

• Protective Order – A protective order is issued by the judge, ordering the accused not to carry out certain acts. If you are current or former spouses, were in an intimate relationship, or are related by blood, marriage, or adoption, you can file a protective order. The judge can order the abuser to refrain from a wide variety of actions, including staying away from you, moving out of the home you both live in, and not contacting you. When giving a final protective order, counseling can be ordered and the abuser may have to pay all court costs, among other outcomes.
• Peace Order – A peace order is a legal protection in which the court will order the other person to refrain from any contact. However, unlike a protective order, a peace order does not take into consideration the nature of the relationship between parties. This means it can be filed against a neighbor, stranger, or someone who does not fall under the qualifications for a protective order.

What to Expect When You Are Charged with Domestic Violence?

If you are charged with domestic violence in Maryland, you need the representation of an experienced domestic violence lawyer. Domestic violence charges can follow you for your entire life and can affect your ability to retain a job, get an education, and maintain relationships with family and friends. Our legal professionals can help you develop an aggressive defense against the charges against you. This is what you can expect when you are facing domestic violence charges:

• Arrest, Detention, and Booking – If you are arrested for domestic violence, you may be taken to a police station for booking. You may be photographed and fingerprinted, and your personal belongings may be confiscated. You may be questioned or interrogated. It is very important to have an attorney to represent you if you are charged. If you are charged, you may be detained in a county jail pending your initial appearance hearing. In most cases, those arrested for domestic violence are released pending an investigation.
• Release on Bail or Your Recognizance – In most cases, those charged with domestic violence are released on their recognizance. If you are released, you will need to follow certain rules and conditions pending a hearing or investigation. The county prosecutor will review the evidence and determine if the case should progress. If they determine that there is enough evidence to proceed with a case against you, they will file documents with the court or request an arrest warrant.
• Protective Order or Peace Order – The victim’s attorney may request a protective order or peace order against you. The terms of this order must be followed, or you risk arrest and further charges. Typically, the order will prevent you from entering the home in which you live with the victim, being within a certain distance of the victim, and having any contact with the victim, whether in person, over the phone, via email, or otherwise.
• Hearings or Trial – If your case proceeds to court, you may need to attend hearings and/or a trial. You will need the representation of an experienced domestic violence lawyer. The prosecutor will present evidence and witnesses, and any police officers who were involved in your initial arrest will be questioned. Your attorney will present your defense and try to have the charges reduced or dropped.
• Sentencing or Plea Agreement – If you face a trial, a jury or judge will determine if you are guilty or not guilty. Your attorney will also try to negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf. If you are found not guilty, you will be immediately released. If you are found guilty, you will either remain at home until your sentencing or you will be remanded to a county jail pending your sentencing hearing. At your sentencing hearing, the judge will determine if you face jail time, prison time, probation, fines, court-ordered anger management classes, counseling, or community service.

Why Choose the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg?

At the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg, we defend and protect your rights with compassion and expertise. Our experienced legal professionals provide highly personalized attention and make sure you understand what to expect as your domestic violence case progresses. We have decades of experience defending clients against domestic violence charges, and we understand how delicate and emotional the situation can be for everyone involved. When you work with our domestic violence law firm, you will have the support of seasoned, compassionate professionals who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Domestic Violence Law Firm

Dealing with domestic violence in Baltimore County can be a trying, difficult process. Our legal professionals at the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg will do everything possible to make the process easier and ensure you understand what to expect. You should not try to fight domestic violence charges on your own. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our domestic violence law firm in Owings Mills, MD. We represent clients throughout the Baltimore, MD area, including Baltimore County, Reisterstown, Pikesville, Carroll County, Westminster, and Baltimore City.