Domestic Violence Attorney in Rockville, MD

If you feel the need to protect yourself and your family from the threat of domestic violence, the team at Fait & DiLima, LLP can help.

Domestic violence arrests can be very emotional. Few other offenses can compare to how this can affect the parties and the community.

It is important to know that domestic violence can be more than physical. It has a broad definition that can involve other members of the household.

At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we have domestic violence attorneys to assist you with your case, such as processing a protective order. We understand that you are very emotional at this time. We are here to provide a guiding hand.

What is Considered Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence covers a wide range of legal issues and can result in civil, misdemeanor and felony charges. It includes physical assault, an act that places you in fear of imminent serious bodily harm, kidnapping, destruction of property and coercive control. What defines domestic violence is the relationship between the abuser and the abused. They may be relatives by blood or adoption, domestic partners, marriage partners, a parent of your child, or in some cases, roommates (before or now). It occurs between people living together, though it can happen outside of the confines of the home.

Domestic violence arrests can be very emotional. Few other offenses affect the parties more. It’s important to know that domestic violence can be more than physical and can occur between unmarried people as well as spouses. We are here to obtain Protective Orders from the court if you are in need of them.

Getting a Protective Order

You can obtain an Interim Protective Order from a District Court commissioner in any county in the state. It is possible to get one without the abuser knowing about it. You will then get a hearing within 48 hours for a Temporary Protective Order. About a week later there will be a final hearing.

We can file for a protective order with the court to protect you from further violence by the abuser. This commands the abuser to refrain from contacting or being around you and any minor children impacted by the accusation.

Protective orders can also prohibit the individual from making threats, living in the same home, taking children outside the home, or even taking possession of pets. The accused must also surrender all firearms.

Maryland offers two types of protective orders: a Peace Order is designed to protect against another person not living in the same home. This could include a stranger, neighbor or acquaintance. A Protective Order is designed for violence committed by someone in the same home as the victim, whether related to you or not. Victims may be ex-spouses, children, a best friend, or girlfriend.

Violating a Protective Order

The judge can impose jail time of up to 90 days for the first offense and more for succeeding offenses. A phone call or text message can be in violation of a “no contact” protective order.

If you need help with a domestic violence case, contact us at Fait & DiLima, LLP. Start with a consultation with our Rockville domestic violence attorney.