Domestic Violence in Maryland
If you have been abused by your spouse or partner, you may be unsure of how to address the situation and protect yourself and your rights. At the Maryland law firm of Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, L.L.P., our domestic violence lawyers understand the complicated set of factors that often act as a web, making it very difficult to break free from an abusive relationship. A protective order can be a powerful tool when it comes to stopping the violence in your home. We can help you understand and utilize all the options the law provides for breaking the cycle of abuse and protecting yourself and your family.
What if I am Being Accused of Domestic Violence?
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you could be facing serious legal consequences, including being ordered to vacate your home, incarceration and other restrictions. Based in Annapolis, our family lawyers help women and men pursue and defend against Maryland protective orders. We have the knowledge, experience, and skills relating to both the civil and criminal aspects of domestic violence laws to advise you on your options and diligently protect your rights and personal safety.
What if I Am a Victim of Domestic Violence?
If you are considering making a domestic violence accusation or have been served with a protective order, we strongly encourage you to talk to one of our attorneys experienced in domestic violence as soon as possible. Our system is set up so that domestic violence victims can request protection from the court 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. If the court is closed, the commissioners in both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts are empowered to hear Petitions for Protection from Domestic Violence. Protection may be sought on behalf of the “Petitioner” and/or minor children of the parties. The Petitioner may seek this relief on a temporary basis from the commissioner (“Interim” Protective Order) or from a Judge (“Temporary” Protective Order), which typically remain in effect for seven days so that the alleged abuser “Respondent” can be served and prepare to mount a defense at the Final Protective Order hearing. Relief may be granted for up to 365 days in Final Protective Orders.
It is advisable for both the Petitioner and the Respondent to be represented by a skilled attorney who understands the law, rules of evidence, and possible outcomes at a Final Protective Order hearing. For the Petitioner, obtaining a Final Protective Order may diffuse an otherwise lethal situation and offer critical protections. In addition to being forced to leave their homes and abide by strict conditions limiting contact with the Petitioner, alleged perpetrators of domestic violence may lose custody of their children, and they may be required to pay emergency family maintenance, including spousal support and child support. They may also face criminal charges and lose their security clearance and right to possess firearms. Unfortunately, some people use Protective Orders merely as a tool to obtain an advantage in the divorce context.
All of these elements of the law play an important role in protecting the victims of domestic violence, but they also mean that domestic violence allegations must be taken extremely seriously. Our family law attorneys are experienced at representing parties on both sides of this issue and they have the competency that you can rely on when facing issues of Domestic Violence.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Protective Order Lawyers
If you are in need of a protective order or have been accused of domestic abuse, speak with us. Contact our Annapolis domestic violence attorneys online or call 410-280-1700 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation. Our offices are located in downtown Annapolis, near the courthouse, with readily accessible parking.
Domestic Violence in Maryland
If you have been abused by your spouse or partner, you may be unsure of how to address the situation and protect yourself and your rights. At the Maryland law firm of Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, L.L.P., our domestic violence lawyers understand the complicated set of factors that often act as a web, making it very difficult to break free from an abusive relationship. A protective order can be a powerful tool when it comes to stopping the violence in your home. We can help you understand and utilize all the options the law provides for breaking the cycle of abuse and protecting yourself and your family.
What if I am Being Accused of Domestic Violence?
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you could be facing serious legal consequences, including being ordered to vacate your home, incarceration and other restrictions. Based in Annapolis, our family lawyers help women and men pursue and defend against Maryland protective orders. We have the knowledge, experience, and skills relating to both the civil and criminal aspects of domestic violence laws to advise you on your options and diligently protect your rights and personal safety.
What if I Am a Victim of Domestic Violence?
If you are considering making a domestic violence accusation or have been served with a protective order, we strongly encourage you to talk to one of our attorneys experienced in domestic violence as soon as possible. Our system is set up so that domestic violence victims can request protection from the court 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. If the court is closed, the commissioners in both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts are empowered to hear Petitions for Protection from Domestic Violence. Protection may be sought on behalf of the “Petitioner” and/or minor children of the parties. The Petitioner may seek this relief on a temporary basis from the commissioner (“Interim” Protective Order) or from a Judge (“Temporary” Protective Order), which typically remain in effect for seven days so that the alleged abuser “Respondent” can be served and prepare to mount a defense at the Final Protective Order hearing. Relief may be granted for up to 365 days in Final Protective Orders.
It is advisable for both the Petitioner and the Respondent to be represented by a skilled attorney who understands the law, rules of evidence, and possible outcomes at a Final Protective Order hearing. For the Petitioner, obtaining a Final Protective Order may diffuse an otherwise lethal situation and offer critical protections. In addition to being forced to leave their homes and abide by strict conditions limiting contact with the Petitioner, alleged perpetrators of domestic violence may lose custody of their children, and they may be required to pay emergency family maintenance, including spousal support and child support. They may also face criminal charges and lose their security clearance and right to possess firearms. Unfortunately, some people use Protective Orders merely as a tool to obtain an advantage in the divorce context.
All of these elements of the law play an important role in protecting the victims of domestic violence, but they also mean that domestic violence allegations must be taken extremely seriously. Our family law attorneys are experienced at representing parties on both sides of this issue and they have the competency that you can rely on when facing issues of Domestic Violence.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Protective Order Lawyers
If you are in need of a protective order or have been accused of domestic abuse, speak with us. Contact our Annapolis domestic violence attorneys online or call 410-280-1700 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation. Our offices are located in downtown Annapolis, near the courthouse, with readily accessible parking.