Were you arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in Prince George’s County, Maryland? Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at 301) 262-7005 for immediate legal assistance. An experienced Prince George’s County domestic violence lawyer can help you work to get the charges reduced or even dropped. We offer a free consultation, so there’s no risk in calling.
Together, our trusted attorneys bring more than 125 years of experience successfully handling criminal cases. We have the knowledge and resources needed to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. Whether you’ve been arrested and charged or are simply under investigation, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You Are Accused of Committing Domestic Violence in Prince George’s County
Domestic violence charges carry serious penalties in Prince George’s County, MD. A conviction can haunt you for years to come. The team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys has extensive experience handling tough cases–and winning when it matters most.
Clients choose us because:
- For our success, our team has been recognized with over 400 five-star Google reviews. Our team includes former prosecutors–and we know when the prosecution makes a mistake.
- We never rely on the state’s evidence alone. We’ll conduct our own investigation, interview witnesses, and compile the evidence you need.
- Our lawyers know the system inside and out. We’ll be negotiating behind the scenes from day one to get the charges reduced or your case dismissed if possible.
It’s never too early to start building your defense strategy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help during a free consultation with a Prince George’s County criminal defense attorney.
Maryland’s Domestic Violence Laws: An Overview
Domestic violence in Maryland isn’t a single offense. It’s a broad term that applies to criminal acts against certain protected individuals. In Maryland, domestic violence charges often involve assault, battery, stalking, or other types of offenses where the victim has a specified type of relationship with the defendant.
Maryland domestic violence laws are far-reaching. Victims of domestic violence often seek restraining orders due to the sensitive relationship with the accused. Restraining orders can have far-reaching impacts for a defendant even before they’re given a chance to defend themselves.
What Relationships Trigger Application of Maryland’s Domestic Violence Laws?
Maryland Code Section 4-501 lists the types of relationships that are involved in domestic violence situations.
They include:
- Current or former spouses
- People who live together
- People who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption
- A parent, step-parent, child, or step-child who has lived with the defendant for at least 90 days in the previous year
- Adults who are considered vulnerable due to physical or mental disability
- People who share a child together, regardless of whether they’ve been married
- People who have had a sexual relationship within the previous one-year period
- A person who has accused the defendant of rape, attempted rape, or any type of sex offense within the prior six-month period
You can be charged with domestic violence even if you aren’t accused of causing serious harm to one of these individuals. Arrests in domestic violence situations can happen quickly.
It’s always important to hire an experienced attorney who can protect your interests from the outset. Our lawyers are always available to discuss your defense options. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
What Offenses Can Give Rise To Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland?
Domestic violence charges can arise in a variety of situations. Maryland law is extremely far-reaching when it comes to these criminal offenses.
Examples of the offenses that can lead to domestic violence charges include:
- Any type of physical attack
- Child abuse
- Acts that place the victim in fear of suffering imminent serious bodily harm
- Any type of sex offense, including rape, regardless of the degree
- Attempting to commit rape or a sex offense, regardless of the degree
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
- Stalking, or causing the victim to reasonably fear they will be assaulted, falsely imprisoned, raped, or killed
- Revenge porn
When a domestic relationship is involved, the penalties for these offenses can be even more severe. Having an experienced attorney in your corner is critical. You shouldn’t try to handle the charges alone. Call our defense law firm today to start defending yourself.
What Are the Possible Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in Prince George’s County?
Domestic violence isn’t a separate criminal offense in Maryland. Penalties depend on the severity of the charge and the nature of the allegations. Your prior criminal history will also play a role in the possible penalties.
Maryland sentencing guidelines will apply in determining the possible penalties you could face if convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
For example:
- First-degree assault charges carry up to 25 years in prison
- Stalking in Maryland carries up to five years in prison and a $5,000 monetary penalty
- First-degree rape convictions are punishable by up to life in prison
You don’t have to sit back and accept punishment without a fight. False allegations are extremely common in domestic violence cases. If you’re facing criminal charges, your attorney can play a vital role throughout the legal process.
What Are the Possible Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland?
Jail time and financial penalties are always possible if you’re convicted of a crime. A domestic violence conviction, however, can have consequences that are much more far-reaching.
Examples of these “collateral consequences” include:
- Probation
- Supervised parole after completing a prison sentence
- Loss of child custody and other family law issues
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
- Difficulty finding housing
- Problems with immigration
- Anger management counseling
- Drug or alcohol abuse treatment
- Difficulty finding employment
- Loss of your right to own a firearm
If the victim obtains a protective order in PG County, the consequences can be harsh, immediate, and far-reaching.
Protective Orders in Maryland: An Overview of the Consequences
Maryland law allows domestic violence victims to request an interim protective order without proving the defendant committed a crime. All they have to prove is that there are reasonable grounds to prove the defendant committed abuse.
Protective orders are often issued before any type of trial occurs. It’s important that you comply if you’ve been served with a restraining order. Attempting to contact the victim can make matters worse.
Protective orders in Maryland can do a number of things, including ordering you to:
- Avoid all contact with the victim
- Move out of your home if you share the home with the victim
- Give the alleged victim custody of your child and pets
- Refrain from entering the victim’s residence
- Refrain from any type of abuse or threats
- Stay away from the alleged victim’s family
- Stay away from the alleged victim’s worksite, school, or residence
Judges can issue an initial protective order without a hearing. However, you will eventually receive notice about a hearing where the judge will decide whether to grant a temporary or permanent protective order. The hearing gives you an opportunity to tell your side of the story. Our lawyers will collect any available evidence that can be used to secure a favorable outcome.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have decades of experience handling sensitive cases like yours. We have the experience and resources to help.
What Defenses Are Available if I Was Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges in Prince George’s County?
Domestic violence cases depend heavily on the facts. Regardless of the situation, a strong defense will be necessary.
Depending on the circumstances, some potential defenses to domestic violence charges include:
- False allegations
- Insufficient evidence
- Challenges to witness credibility and motive
- Insufficient evidence to prove intent
- You acted in self-defense or to reasonably defend someone else
- The police violated your constitutional rights, which can lead to evidence being excluded
- Innocence defenses, including alibi defenses
Domestic violence is a serious offense. That said, people often lie or manipulate the truth to secure the results they’re after. Proving it can be incredibly difficult.
Our attorneys have the tools to build the strongest possible legal defense. In the end, the prosecution is required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We know how to make it as difficult as possible to reach that bar.
Call To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top-Rated Prince George’s County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Hiring an attorney isn’t merely about having someone advocate for you in court. You deserve an experienced Prince George’s County domestic violence attorney who will fight for you throughout the entire criminal process. If you need help in Prince George’s County, Maryland, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free case evaluation today.