Towson Domestic Violence Lawyers
Domestic violence is a crime against the entire family, as relationships build on trust and affection and can be destroyed in an instant by the violent actions of a loved one. When domestic violence takes place in the home, the aftermath can be devastating for all involved parties. According to Maryland Uniform Crime Report data, almost 18,000 cases of domestic violence were reported in the state in 2010. Many more cases of domestic violence go unreported each year.
Maryland Domestic Violence Laws
Any intentional act or reckless behavior that has the potential to cause physical injury (including death) of a family member may constitute domestic violence under different Maryland laws. Some examples of domestic violence include:
- Physical assault and battery of a spouse, child or other family member
- Kidnapping and false imprisonment
- Stalking (approaching or pursuing another with the intent to instill fear of bodily harm)
- Neglect or abuse of a “vulnerable” adult (defined as an adult who is unable to care for their own mental or physical needs)
- Sexual offenses including rape
Domestic violence may fall under several Maryland laws including the Reckless Endangerment Law (Criminal Code Section 3-204), Child Abuse and Kidnapping Laws (Criminal Code Section 3-601 and 3-503), Stalking Laws (Criminal Code Section 3-802) and Vulnerable Adult Laws (Criminal Code Section 3-604). At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our dedicated Maryland family law attorneys understand the complexities of these Maryland statutes and have litigated successfully for victims of domestic violence under a wide variety of legal theories.
Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Matters
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Maryland and you are facing immediate threats of danger, calling the police for protection should be your first step. Obtaining an enforceable protective order is another way that domestic violence victims can achieve peace of mind and a sense of security. Protective orders can be filed separately from any criminal charges that a Maryland state prosecutor may be filing on your behalf. The Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, have successfully obtained enforceable protective orders for victims of domestic violence throughout the state.
False Accusations of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence criminal convictions can result in substantial penalties including significant jail sentences and fines. Given the serious nature of domestic violence charges, being wrongfully accused of a domestic violence crime can result in the complete upheaval of an individual’s life. In addition to the emotional stress and turmoil of dealing with false accusations, a wrongful accused individual may face larger issues if these charges are made in the context of a divorce or child custody hearing. False accusations of domestic violence are particularly prevalent in contentious custody cases and individuals wrongfully accused in these circumstances should immediately seek the advice of legal counsel experienced with Maryland’s domestic violence laws.
At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our experienced Baltimore County divorce lawyers also work with individuals wrongfully accused of these terrible crimes to help them rebuild their lives and reestablish their reputation. Wrongful accusations of domestic violence do nothing to end the real problem of domestic violence in Maryland and take the focus away from the true victims of domestic violence in the state.
The Hunt Valley Law Firm of Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, Handle Maryland Domestic Violence Matters with Professionalism and Compassion
Whether you have been a victim of domestic violence or wrongfully accused of domestic violence in the midst of a contentious divorce or custody proceeding in Maryland, you need an experienced Towson domestic violence lawyer who understands the complexities of bringing and/or defending a domestic violence claim in this state. At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our dedicated Maryland family law attorneys work with individuals affected by domestic violence throughout the greater Baltimore area.
The offices of Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC are conveniently located in Hunt Valley, Maryland to serve family law clients and their families in the Baltimore region including all of Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County, including the areas of Towson, Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex.
In addition to handling domestic violence matters, our experienced Maryland family law attorneys assist individuals with property division, alimony, prenuptial agreements, parenting plans, grandparents’ rights, same sex marriage and child support issues. Call us today to schedule your free confidential consultation at 443-589-0150 or submit an online inquiry form.
