Maryland Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland

Domestic violence is a serious crime. In Maryland, being convicted of domestic violence can result in steep fines, jail or prison time, and the revocation of certain individual rights, such as the right to see your children or own firearms. 

If you have been accused of or charged with domestic violence, it is absolutely essential that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense team right away. At Albers & Associates, our Maryland domestic violence defense attorneys move quickly when it comes to these types of charges. We understand the urgency of your case, and we are here to guide you through the legal process.

For a free and confidential consultation, call (443) 665-8030 or contact us online using our secure request form.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Generally speaking, domestic violence is a broad term used to refer to all types of actual or threatened abuse between family or household members. These relationships include current and former spouses or romantic partners, people who have children together, people related by blood or marriage, people related by adoption, and people who live together, including parents or stepparents and children who share the same household. When various forms of abuse or threats of abuse occur between these people, the perpetrator may be charged with domestic violence. 

Different types of domestic violence charges in Maryland include: 

• Assault 
• Battery 
• Sexual assault and abuse, including rape
• Child abuse 
• Abuse of a vulnerable adult
• Causing serious bodily harm 
• Making violent threats
• Making the victim fearful of imminent and serious bodily harm
• Stalking 
• False imprisonment 

Essentially, any violent act or threatened act between people in the above-mentioned romantic, social, or familial relationships may constitute domestic violence in the state of Maryland. 

Furthermore, it is a crime in Maryland to violate a protective order (also known as a restraining order). In certain cases, violating a protective order may be charged as a domestic offense. 

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Maryland

The penalties for domestic violence vary widely depending on the type of crime allegedly committed, as well as certain other facts surrounding the incident. Some aggravating factors may result in more serious charges and harsher punishments. For example, someone accused of domestic violence resulting in serious bodily injury or death will likely face stricter penalties than someone accused of making violent threats against a family or household member. Generally speaking, felony charges carry harsher penalties than misdemeanors. 

That being said, the court has relatively extensive discretion when it comes to deciding the penalties for domestic violence in a given case. If a conviction is reached, the judge will weigh the facts of the case when sentencing, such as the identity of the victim and the overall severity of the alleged offense. 

Depending on the exact charges, you could face the following penalties if you are charged with domestic violence in Maryland: 

• Several days to a year in county jail
• Anywhere from 10 to 25 years to life in prison
• Thousands of dollars in fines and court fees
• Probation 

Some of the long-term effects of a domestic violence conviction include difficulty finding work or housing, as many people do not want to hire or rent to someone with a criminal record. If you have children, you may lose your right to see your children after a domestic violence conviction. You also may not buy, possess, or own a firearm in Maryland if you are convicted of any violent crime or misdemeanor with a statutory penalty of more than two years. 

Violating a protective order in Maryland comes with its own set of penalties, including up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. For second, third, and subsequent offenses, you face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500, as well as “contempt of court” charges, which carry their own punishments. 

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Expunged From a Criminal Record in Maryland?

In Maryland, it is possible to have a domestic violence conviction expunged—or effectively removed—from your criminal record. However, you must meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify for expungement. 

If you were arrested for a crime but never charged, and your arrest occurred after October 1, 2007, you must file a petition with the arresting agency within eight years of the date of the incident for which you were arrested (not necessarily the date you were arrested) in order to have your record expunged. If you were charged with a crime but not convicted, you may be eligible for expungement if your charges were dropped or dismissed, your case was postponed indefinitely, you were placed on probation without judgment, your case was settled, or you were found not guilty. 

If you were convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, you must wait 15 years after the completion of your sentence to request that the conviction be expunged from your record. Note that if you are convicted of any other crime during this period, you cannot have the original conviction expunged. Additionally, you are not eligible for expungement if you are convicted of felony domestic violence. 

How a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Domestic violence charges are very serious; you could face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, not to mention significant damage to your reputation and other long-term effects that could impact nearly every aspect of your life. It is crucial that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible if you have been accused of domestic violence.

At Albers & Associates, our Maryland domestic violence defense attorneys can help you with every aspect of your case. We understand the law inside out and know how to build solid defenses on behalf of our clients. Our law firm is known for taking on some of the toughest and most complex cases—and we have the resources, skill, and experience to fight for the best possible outcome. 

Our firm is ready to guide you through the legal process, answering your questions and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you have been simply accused of domestic violence or you have already been charged by the arresting agency, we urge you to contact our team right away to get the help you need. 

Reach us online or by phone at (443) 665-8030 today. Your initial consultation is completely free.