Being charged with domestic violence is frightening. Prosecutors take these cases seriously due to the harm violence inflicts on victims and their families. While domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Maryland and around the country, false accusations are not uncommon, particularly during contentious divorce and child custody cases.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge or protective order in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Anne Arundel County, turn to Hartman Attorneys At Law. You can rely on the aggressive representation of former prosecutor Christian Hartman to help protect your rights, reputation, and future. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind knowing our experienced domestic violence defense attorney is in your corner. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. 

What Is Domestic Violence in Maryland?

Under Mayrland law, domestic violence refers to abusive behavior used by one household member to control or dominate another. This can include acts of physical violence, emotional manipulation, sexual assault, or psychological harm. Domestic violence crimes can involve the following individuals:

  • Current and former spouses
  • Those who live in the same household
  • Those related by blood, marriage, or adoption
  • Parents and children 
  • Unmarried parents who share a child

Domestic violence charges can arise from situations involving:

  • Physical violence, such as hitting, slapping, or pushing
  • Threats of harm or intimidation within the household
  • Sexual assault or coerced sexual activity
  • Emotional abuse, including controlling behavior, humiliation, or isolation

State courts take domestic violence seriously, and victims can seek protection through orders of protection or peace orders. A conviction can lead to severe legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, as well as the potential loss of custody or visitation rights with children.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Maryland?

The penalties for domestic violence in Maryland vary widely depending on the severity of the charges, ranging from fines and probation to significant prison time. Aggravated offenses, such as those resulting in severe bodily harm or involving the use of a weapon, can lead to harsher sentences.

For example, a first-time offender convicted of second-degree assault, a common charge in domestic violence cases, could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

More severe cases, such as first-degree assault that involves intentional infliction of severe bodily harm, carry stiffer penalties, including the possibility of up to 25 years in prison. In cases of rape or sexual assault, the consequences are generally even more grave; a person found guilty of first-degree rape could face life imprisonment.

Impact of a Protective Order

Maryland law also mandates protective orders in many domestic violence cases, which can impose restrictions on the defendant’s movements and interactions with the alleged victim. These orders can restrict your ability to return to your home, prohibit you from having any contact with your accuser or children, ban your possession of firearms, and more. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense, leading to further legal consequences. 

How Hartman Attorneys at Law Defends Domestic Violence Charges

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a domestic violence charge. We use aggressive and effective strategies to challenge false accusations and minimize the impact of the charge. We begin by carefully examining the evidence against you and investigating all aspects of the case, including:

  • Reviewing police reports and the circumstances of the alleged incident
  • Identifying inconsistencies or exaggerations in the accuser’s claims
  • Questioning the validity of witness testimony
  • Challenging the validity of the protective order if issued

Christian Hartman, a former prosecutor, is well-versed in how prosecutors approach domestic violence cases and will use that insight to build a strong defense. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or preparing for trial, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Contact Our Annapolis Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you face an uncertain future. Trust Hartman Attorneys at Law today to fight to protect your rights and future. Call today for a confidential consultation.

Domestic Violence

Being charged with domestic violence is frightening. Prosecutors take these cases seriously due to the harm violence inflicts on victims and their families. While domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Maryland and around the country, false accusations are not uncommon, particularly during contentious divorce and child custody cases.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge or protective order in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Anne Arundel County, turn to Hartman Attorneys At Law. You can rely on the aggressive representation of former prosecutor Christian Hartman to help protect your rights, reputation, and future. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind knowing our experienced domestic violence defense attorney is in your corner. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. 

What Is Domestic Violence in Maryland?

Under Mayrland law, domestic violence refers to abusive behavior used by one household member to control or dominate another. This can include acts of physical violence, emotional manipulation, sexual assault, or psychological harm. Domestic violence crimes can involve the following individuals:

  • Current and former spouses
  • Those who live in the same household
  • Those related by blood, marriage, or adoption
  • Parents and children 
  • Unmarried parents who share a child

Domestic violence charges can arise from situations involving:

  • Physical violence, such as hitting, slapping, or pushing
  • Threats of harm or intimidation within the household
  • Sexual assault or coerced sexual activity
  • Emotional abuse, including controlling behavior, humiliation, or isolation

State courts take domestic violence seriously, and victims can seek protection through orders of protection or peace orders. A conviction can lead to severe legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, as well as the potential loss of custody or visitation rights with children.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Maryland?

The penalties for domestic violence in Maryland vary widely depending on the severity of the charges, ranging from fines and probation to significant prison time. Aggravated offenses, such as those resulting in severe bodily harm or involving the use of a weapon, can lead to harsher sentences.

For example, a first-time offender convicted of second-degree assault, a common charge in domestic violence cases, could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

More severe cases, such as first-degree assault that involves intentional infliction of severe bodily harm, carry stiffer penalties, including the possibility of up to 25 years in prison. In cases of rape or sexual assault, the consequences are generally even more grave; a person found guilty of first-degree rape could face life imprisonment.

Impact of a Protective Order

Maryland law also mandates protective orders in many domestic violence cases, which can impose restrictions on the defendant’s movements and interactions with the alleged victim. These orders can restrict your ability to return to your home, prohibit you from having any contact with your accuser or children, ban your possession of firearms, and more. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense, leading to further legal consequences. 

How Hartman Attorneys at Law Defends Domestic Violence Charges

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a domestic violence charge. We use aggressive and effective strategies to challenge false accusations and minimize the impact of the charge. We begin by carefully examining the evidence against you and investigating all aspects of the case, including:

  • Reviewing police reports and the circumstances of the alleged incident
  • Identifying inconsistencies or exaggerations in the accuser’s claims
  • Questioning the validity of witness testimony
  • Challenging the validity of the protective order if issued

Christian Hartman, a former prosecutor, is well-versed in how prosecutors approach domestic violence cases and will use that insight to build a strong defense. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or preparing for trial, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Contact Our Annapolis Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you face an uncertain future. Trust Hartman Attorneys at Law today to fight to protect your rights and future. Call today for a confidential consultation.