Towson Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Determined Domestic Violence Lawyers Seeking Justice for Clients in Towson, MD

Accusations of domestic violence can change a person's life in an instant. An argument at home, a tense breakup, or a call made during an emotional moment could lead someone to call the police, and a person could be arrested without being given the opportunity to explain what actually happened. Domestic violence cases are taken seriously by law enforcement officials and prosecutors, and cases may move forward even when the alleged victim does not wish to press charges.

In Maryland, domestic violence is not a specific criminal offense. Instead, a person who is accused of domestic violence may face charges of assault or other related offenses. However, their relationship with the alleged victim, such as a spouse, former spouse, romantic partner, co-parent, family member, or someone who lives in their home, could play a role in the charges and the ways a case may be handled. Restrictions may be put in place that could limit where a person can go and who they can contact.

Because of the serious consequences that can affect a person charged with domestic violence, it is critical to understand the steps that may be taken in these cases to defend against criminal convictions or other restrictions. At Posner & Cord, LLC, our Towson domestic violence defense attorneys can help clients protect their rights, challenge accusations of abusive behavior, and take steps to resolve cases in ways that will minimize the ways a person will be affected.

How Domestic Violence Charges May Arise

Domestic violence cases often begin with a 911 call. Police may respond to reports of a domestic disturbance, and they will often arrest a person who they believe has engaged in assault or other offenses. In many situations, officers make an arrest even when no injuries occurred or when the parties involved disagree about what happened.

Examples of situations that may lead to a domestic violence arrest include:

• A heated argument between spouses or partners where one person accuses the other of pushing, grabbing, or striking
• A dispute during a separation or divorce in which one party claims that the other has engaged in aggressive or threatening behavior
• An incident involving alleged threats or intimidation between co-parents during a disagreement about child custody
• A call from a neighbor or family member reporting yelling or sounds of a struggle in a family's home
• Claims that a person's use of alcohol or drugs has led them to engage in behavior that could affect the safety of their family members
• Claims involving damage to property that could be seen as part of a pattern of threatening behavior

Domestic violence accusations could lead to charges of second-degree assault, which may include any actions a person took that a family member viewed as threatening, as well as aggressive contact or the infliction of minor injuries like bruises or scrapes. In cases involving more serious injuries, strangulation, or the use of a weapon, a person could be charged with first-degree assault. Second-degree assault is generally a misdemeanor, while first-degree assault is a felony, and the penalties for a conviction may include multiple years or decades of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines.

The Role of Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases

In addition to criminal charges, domestic violence allegations often involve protective orders that may be issued by a court after an arrest or when requested by an alleged victim. These are civil orders that are designed to prevent contact between an alleged abuser and alleged victim and prevent violence or abuse from occurring.

A protective order may require a person to:

• Have no contact with the alleged victim, including through phone calls, texts, emails, or third-party messages
• Vacate the home they share with the alleged victim immediately, even if their name is on the lease or deed
• Stay away from the alleged victim's workplace, school, or other locations
• Surrender any firearms they own and refrain from possessing firearms or ammunition for the duration of the order
• Comply with temporary custody or visitation orders involving children

A violation of a protective order is a separate criminal offense that could result in additional charges and penalties beyond charges of assault or other offenses related to the original incident. Even unintentional contact, such as responding to a message or being in the same place as the alleged victim, can lead to serious consequences. Our defense attorneys can explain the exact terms of a protective order to help ensure that a person will meet their legal requirements during their criminal case.

How Domestic Violence Allegations Can Affect Your Life

The impact of a domestic violence case may reach beyond the potential jail time or fines that may apply if a person is convicted of a criminal offense. A conviction may affect a person's employment or cause them to lose their professional license. Protective orders can disrupt family routines and affect parenting responsibilities while also causing financial problems when a person is forced to continue paying expenses related to a home shared with the alleged victim. In some cases, allegations affect divorce or child custody proceedings.

Because these cases can be so personal, they may involve a variety of emotional difficulties. Misunderstandings, exaggerated claims, or retaliatory accusations can occur when a couple's relationship has broken down or when disputes arise among family members. Our attorneys can provide clients with a strong defense that will focus on facts and the evidence involved in a case. We will work to resolve cases while minimizing the impact that they may have on a person and family.

Contact Our Towson, MD Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

When responding to accusations of domestic violence, you will need to take steps to protect your rights and determine how you can resolve your case successfully. Because these situations can affect our clients' daily lives and family relationships, the attorneys at Posner & Cord, LLC are working to ensure that they can respond to claims of domestic violence, defend against convictions, respond to protective orders, and avoid ongoing problems that could affect their families. Contact our Towson domestic violence lawyers at 410-252-0600 to set up a free phone consultation and get the legal help you need.