Domestic Violence and Peace Orders ◊ Gaithersburg, Maryland, Lawyers
Being charged with domestic violence — even if you are falsely accused — will cause serious disruption in your day-to-day life. Not only will charges lead to a mark on your permanent record, but you may be unable to return to your home — at least temporarily.
Our attorneys provide diligent, aggressive representation to help you reduce the disruption in your life as much as possible and defeat the charges if we can.
You should never hire an attorney who you aren't confident you can trust. We believe that the best way to decide if you can trust an attorney is to meet that attorney face-to-face. To schedule a free initial consultation at the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, call us at 301-637-0281 or toll free at 866-470-5187 or contact us online.
How Will Domestic Violence Charges Affect You?
Domestic violence often involves two separate sets of charges: civil and criminal. The civil charges will result in a temporary order of protection preventing you from coming near the petitioner/plaintiff. If you live with the petitioner/plaintiff, this means you cannot go home. If you have children, you will be temporarily ordered away from them as well. The courts may also order temporary child support and custody to ensure the children have proper care.
The temporary restraining order will only last for a limited amount of time. When that time has expired, you can have a hearing where you may present your case to a judge and potentially have the order dismissed. If the judge rules against you, the order may be put into effect for a full year and possibly 18 months.
If there are criminal charges in domestic violence, they usually consist of assault. If you have been charged with assault, our lawyers will work aggressively to help you fight those charges. We have more than 35 years of experience in criminal defense and are ready to protect your constitutional rights.
How Is a Peace Order Different from a Protective Order?
In general, protective orders are designed for married couples or couples with children. A peace order is for couples who are romantically involved but who do not share a residence. If they do not live together, then the plaintiff can file for a peace order demanding the defendant to stay away.
Contact Us Today
If you have been charged with domestic violence, we welcome you to contact us online or by telephone. Call 301-637-0281 or toll free at 866-470-5187 to schedule a free initial consultation. We also have an in-depth background in family law, helping clients obtain restraining orders to protect their safety.
