Glen Burnie Domestic Violence Lawyer
Glen Burnie Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence is a very real and serious problem that should not go unreported and should be dealt with in the appropriate legal setting. It is important to know, however, that allegations of domestic violence are sometimes only the result of misunderstandings between parties, and false charges are sometimes intentionally leveled as well. A Glen Burnie domestic violence lawyer can explain your options if you’ve been falsely accused.
Domestic violence is often prosecuted more vigorously and punished more harshly than other crimes, and convicted offenders can face restraining orders that highly restrict their freedom and movements, on top of any fines or jail time that may be imposed.
In addition to having a criminal record and the negative impacts a criminal record brings, being found guilty of domestic violence can have a devastating impact on one’s reputation as well, as domestic violence is seen to have a strong moral component that may not be present in the conviction of other types of crime.
Domestic violence charges are serious, and they require the help of serious attorneys to defend against. The Glen Burnie domestic violence lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, provide strong, aggressive representation to protect the rights and interests of our clients in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Call our office if you have been arrested and charged with assault based on a claim of domestic violence.
What Exactly is Domestic Violence?
Perpetrators of domestic violence are not charged with “domestic violence,” they are charged with their actions. Crimes charged under Maryland domestic violence laws can be any of the following acts when they occur between family or household members:
- Assault
- Placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily harm
- Causing serious bodily harm
- Rape or other sexual offense
- Attempted rape or other sexual offense
- Stalking
- False imprisonment
When the criminal justice system becomes involved and makes an arrest, the charge is not domestic violence, even if the accuser refers to the charge as domestic violence. A domestic violence assault can be charged as a felony offense, so it is extremely important to hire qualified and experienced criminal defense attorneys to help you avoid serious negative consequences from an assault or domestic violence prosecution.
People who have been the victims of domestic violence can also find civil relief by obtaining protective orders or peace orders, commonly known as restraining orders.
As criminal defense lawyers who also maintain a robust family law practice, our attorneys are familiar with all the many ways domestic violence charges can arise in the context of a family matter, including divorce or a child custody dispute. We know that charges are sometimes brought as a result of misunderstandings in the midst of heated, emotional exchanges.
We also know that accusations are sometimes falsely made in an attempt to gain leverage in a divorce or custody dispute. Domestic violence laws favor the accuser and make it easy to get a restraining order against an alleged abuser. When criminal charges such as assault are involved, our criminal defense attorneys step in to provide vigorous defense to protect our clients from the serious negative consequences that could follow if their rights are not fully protected.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Maryland
The penalties for domestic violence in Maryland vary significantly depending on the exact charges you’re facing. The most common form of domestic violence is assault. If you’re convicted of assault in the second degree related to domestic violence, you could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $2,500. A conviction of first-degree assault can lead to up to 25 years in prison.
Domestic Violence in Anne Arundel County by the Numbers
Domestic violence is, unfortunately, quite common in Maryland, and Anne Arundel County is not immune. In just one recent month, October 2024, the county issued 266 protective orders. In 2023, three people were shot due to domestic violence-related issues. Statewide, there were 38 fatalities that same year. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get a clear idea of the scope of domestic violence problems since many less serious cases go unreported.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
If you are facing domestic violence charges, the first thing you should do is hire a defense attorney. Your lawyer can protect your rights and advocate for you every step of the way. They can:
- Explain the charges against you.
- Look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Construct a narrative of the events that paints you in a positive light.
- Gather and analyze evidence.
- Interview witnesses and find expert witnesses.
- Establish an effective defense against the charges you’re facing.
Your lawyer can also represent you in court, whether you are facing serious felony charges handled at the Circuit Court at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, or a misdemeanor domestic violence case being tried at the District Court.
FAQs
Q: What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Maryland?
A: Any illegal mistreatment of one family member or intimate partner by another can qualify as domestic violence in Maryland. The abuse doesn’t have to be physical, although it often is. Sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse are all forms of domestic violence, as well. Statistically, most perpetrators are men, and most victims are women or children, but anyone can commit acts of domestic violence.
Q: Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?
A: Most domestic violence cases get dismissed because of a lack of victim cooperation, insufficient evidence, or complex case dynamics. These cases typically rely heavily on a victim’s testimony rather than physical evidence. If the victim is afraid of their abuser, is financially dependent on them, or has a desire to reconcile, these factors often lead to dropped charges.
Q: What Are the Grounds for Domestic Violence Charges?
A: The grounds for domestic violence charges in Maryland include crimes such as assaulting, harassing, or stalking a victim who is a spouse, partner, or family member. Domestic violence is not a crime in itself. It is an umbrella term that covers many different criminal matters, all of which pertain to the mistreatment of people in the perpetrator’s household or family.
Q: What Is Considered Emotional Abuse in Maryland?
A: There are many behaviors that can be considered emotional abuse in Maryland. They include any acts that intentionally inflict anguish or psychological harm on another person, typically through verbal assault, harassment, intimidation, or isolation. Emotional abuse is typically recognized within the context of domestic violence, which tends to be characterized by controlling behaviors and restricting access to social support.
Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Maryland
If you have been arrested for assault or another criminal offense arising out of a domestic situation in Anne Arundel or Howard counties, you need to hire a domestic violence lawyer immediately. You can contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, in Glen Burnie or Columbia for assistance with your domestic violence case.
Anne Arundel County
Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-766-0113
Fax: 410-766-0270
Howard County On the grounds of Columbia Mall
30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-964-0050
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