Baltimore & Towson Lawyer Comments On The Threat Of Domestic Violence
No one should ever have to deal with the threat of being abused or subjected to any form of domestic violence. Unfortunately, many men and women face such threats on a daily basis. Regardless of whether the individuals are married or unmarried, your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney will tell you that Maryland has domestic violence laws in place to protect those who are being abused by loved ones.
What Steps Should You Take as a Victim?
Quite often, people who are suffering from abuse do not know what to do or where to turn for help. One of the first things a victim should do if he or she has been abused or threatened with acts of violence is to contact law enforcement right away. Some people attempt to face their abusers on their own; however, this is not advised, as doing so might actually make a bad situation even worse.
Instead, a victim is encouraged to go to a safe location far away from the abuser and press charges against him or her. Additionally, victims should consider seeking a temporary order of protection against the alleged abuser and eventually, the victim should obtain an order of protection that will last for up to 12 months. Your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney knows it is always best for victims who decide to leave the home to ask for a police officer to assist them as they remove their personal items.
What an Order of Protection Can Do for You
A protection order can allow a court to order the alleged abuser to cease and desist his or her abusive acts, stay away from the victim and his or her family and vacate the family home, stay away from the victim's job and the children's school and/or daycare (if the individuals shared children). In certain cases, the court can also order the alleged abuser to surrender all firearms, provide the victim with emergency financial support or other family maintenance and provide for visitation through third-party exchanges.
Peace Orders
It should be noted that protective orders can only be filed by individuals who are:
- Currently or formerly married;
- Living together or formerly lived together;
- Parents to the same child; and,
- Related to the alleged abuser by blood, adoption or marriage.
If a victim does not fit into one of the above categories, he or she can still seek protection through a peace order. Peace orders provide some of the same protections as protective orders; however, they can only be ordered for a six-month period. Additionally, victims may not be able to obtain emergency maintenance or be granted use of the family automobile.
Individuals who need to seek protective or peace orders when the court is closed are encouraged to go to their local District Court Commissioner's office to obtain interim protective or peace orders. Such orders will protect victims until a hearing can be scheduled within 48 hours of the court opening.
Anyone who is attempting to handle an abusive situation on his or her own is strongly encouraged to seek legal assistance from a well-versed Baltimore and Towson family law attorney with the Law Offices of Amar Weisman, LLC right away.
Call (410) 321-4994 For a Free Consultation
Call The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman at (410) 321-4994 to schedule a Free Consultation. The Purpose of the consultation is to determine whether you want to retain this law firm as your Baltimore County & Harford County Family Lawyer. If you do wish to proceed, then you must pay a retainer. See Our Policy on Fees and Costs. The family firm is located next to The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204.
