Domestic Abuse Protection Attorney in Towson, Maryland

Simply put, domestic violence can be overwhelming. Thankfully, in the state of Maryland, domestic abuse victims can seek protection from the court against their abuser by filing petitions for protective orders in family court. If you are a victim of domestic violence or if you are in imminent danger of domestic abuse, it is critical that you retain a knowledgeable Maryland family law attorney to protect your rights and stand by your side.

At Lebovitz Law LLC, Attorney Richard Lebovitz has the diligence and resources to help victims of domestic abuse seek adequate protection from their abuser. As your legal counsel, he will evaluate all of the facts surrounding your personal situation and determine the necessary legal steps to take. With over two decades of experience, Attorney Richard Lebovitz will fight compassionately to protect your rights, your minor children, and help you seek protection from imminent abuse or violence.

Lebovitz Law LLC proudly represents domestic abuse victims in Towson, Baltimore County, Maryland, and throughout the state, as well as York, Pennsylvania.

Domestic Violence in Maryland

In Maryland, domestic violence (also called domestic abuse) occurs when a person commits any of the following offenses against a family or household member:

• Assault in the first degree or second degree

• Rape and other sexual offenses

• False imprisonment

• Child abuse and abuse of a vulnerable adult

• An act that causes serious physical injuries, bodily harm, or places the victim in imminent fear of serious bodily harm

Family and household members include:

• Current and former spouses

• Parents, stepparents, and children living together

• People related by blood, marriage, or adoption

• People who have children together

• People who live together

An experienced attorney can review every aspect of your case and enlighten you about what to do when in an abusive relationship or domestic abuse situation.

What to Do in a Domestic Violence Situation

Everyone deserves a healthy relationship free of domestic abuse or violence. If you are a domestic violence victim, there are actions you can take to minimize—or prevent—harm. Consider the following:

• Call a domestic violence helpline. National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233; Family/Domestic Violence Support in Maryland – 211

• Reach out to someone you trust

• Call the police to notify them about the domestic abuse situation

• Document the abuse and violent acts, including your physical injuries

• Keep detailed records of the threats, including incriminating text messages, emails, and calls

• Protect yourself and your children. Leave the relationship or household immediately and get to safety

• Obtain an interim protective order

• Retain an experienced lawyer to uphold your rights

• File for a restraining order against your abuser

• Access the resources you need to help you heal and ultimately move forward

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, get in touch with an experienced family law attorney straight away. Your attorney can help protect your rights and file a petition for a protective order in Maryland family court.

Protection Orders

A protection order, also referred to as a restraining order, is a legal order issued by the family court to protect a victim from domestic abuse or harassment. Maryland offers three types of domestic violence protective orders, including:

Interim Protective Order

An interim protective order can be issued by the Maryland court when it finds reasonable grounds to believe a family or household member has been abused. The interim restraining order can be issued even before the respondent appears in court. It will last until a judge holds a temporary hearing.

Temporary Protective Order

A judge will grant a temporary protective order after an initial hearing when it finds reasonable grounds to believe that domestic abuse occurred. The temporary restraining order will last for seven days or until a judge holds a final protective order hearing.

Final Protective Order

Before a final protective order can be issued, the respondent will be allowed to appear in court and present evidence and testimony at a full court hearing. If the court finds reasonable grounds to believe that domestic abuse occurred, a final protective order may be issued. The final restraining order generally lasts for one year, but might be extended depending on the surrounding circumstances.

What Can a Protection Order Do?

A protection order can do the following:

• Order the abuser to stop any violent act or abuse towards the victim or any other person listed in the order

• Order the abuser not to enter the victim’s home

• Order the abuser to stay away from the victim’s children, school, workplace, or business

• Order the abuser to vacate the house and give the victim temporary possession or use of the home

• Order the abuser to refrain from contacting, intimidating, or threatening the victim or any member of their household

• Give you temporary possession of the pets you own with the respondent

• Give you temporary custody of your children

• Order the respondent to submit any firearm in their possession to law enforcement

• Order the abuser to attend counseling or a domestic violence program

• Decide family law issues related to child custody, child support, and parenting time

• Order the abuser to comply with restrictions that are considered necessary by the court for the safety and protection of the victim

An experienced lawyer can help you understand what a protection order can do and ensure that the respondent complies with the protective order.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

No one deserves to be a victim of domestic abuse or violence. Once you recognize an abusive relationship, it’s important to seek help. Attorney Richard Lebovitz is dedicated to offering compassionate legal services to help domestic abuse victims seek protection through the Maryland court. As your legal counsel, he will evaluate and investigate every aspect of your situation and take immediate action to seek the right protective order on your behalf. Attorney Richard Lebovitz will craft a strategic safety plan to protect you, your children, and your loved ones.