In Maryland, domestic violence is defined as abuse that occurs between family members. Typically, domestic violence cases revolve around the married couple. Domestic violence is a sensitive and serious issue and victims of domestic abuse often do not know where to turn to for help or understand their basic legal rights. In this blog post, our Maryland Domestic Violence Lawyers will explain what domestic violence is and how to deal with domestic violence.

Domestic violence is defined as abuse that occurs between family members, but can also be extended to couples living together or dating. Domestic violence usually involves physical abuse like punching, slapping, pushing, but can also cover assault, stalking, rape/sexual offense or attempted rape/sexual offence, and false imprisonment.

In Maryland, a victim of domestic violence has two options: protective orders and peace orders. Both orders are issued by the court and are similar by providing protection to the victim. Victims are allowed to file for these orders depending on eligibility. Victims eligible for protective orders include the following:

• Current/former spouses
• Couples who've been living together for 90 days
• Family members and relatives

Peace orders may be filed for those who cannot file for a protective order. At Watson & Moran LLC, our Maryland Domestic violence lawyers have successfully represented victims of abuse and wrongfully accused individuals. We have the experience and knowledge you need in order to get that protective order or to defend your innocence.

Domestic violence cases are always tough to deal with. A common problem regularly faced is the fact that most victims fail to report the abuse due to the false sense of security that maybe it was a one-time occurrence. Most victims are also often reluctant to testify against their abuser during trial. These two problems make it extremely difficult to successfully prosecute domestic violence criminals.

At Watson & Moran LLC, our domestic violence lawyers in Maryland understand the difficulties victims face and how domestic violence affects every aspect of life and family relationships. We seek to represent each client and make things easier on them by making sure they are protected from their attacker. Our team puts you and your family first and will advise you on all issues that may arise. We handle domestic violence, protective orders, restraining orders and peace orders in Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Howard County, Montgomery County, throughout other parts of Maryland and in the District of Columbia. If you are a victim or have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, contact our domestic violence attorneys in Maryland today.