Glen Burnie, MD Domestic Violence Lawyers

Compassionate Lawyers for Victims of Domestic Violence in Glen Burnie, Maryland

If you have been made to feel unsafe by a family member, romantic partner, or someone in your household, you should know that you can take legal action to protect yourself. A Glen Burnie family law attorney can help you through a troubling home situation and explore your options to defend against domestic violence.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have over 50 years of legal experience, and in that time, we have taken on many sensitive cases involving family law issues. When you work with our firm, we will do everything we can to help you get relief from domestic violence and abuse within your household.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

In Maryland, abuse can refer to different acts of violence such as assault, rape, and false imprisonment, as well as other malicious acts like revenge porn and stalking. Even if you have not been directly attacked by your abuser, any act that puts you in fear of imminent serious bodily injury still counts as abuse. That can include behaviors from your abuser like punching a wall or breaking objects in your presence.

If you have suffered domestic abuse in or outside of your home, you should document these instances of abuse so that you can cite them later. Also, you should identify somebody in your life—such as a relative, friend, or neighbor—who you can turn to in case of emergency if you are at risk of immediate harm in your household. Do not be afraid to call the police if you need urgent protection from domestic abuse.

Getting a Protective Order for Domestic Abuse

Protective orders are intended to shield victims of domestic abuse from further harm. This is separate from a peace order, which is intended for strangers or people without a close relationship to you. You may be eligible for a protective order if your relationship with the abuser can be described as:

• Your current or former spouse
• Someone you live with
• Your relative by blood, marriage, or adoption
• Your parent, child, stepparent, or stepchild
• Your child's mother or father
• Someone with whom you had a sexual relationship within the last year
• Someone who raped or attempted to rape you

Additionally, if you are a vulnerable adult, you can petition for a protective order even if your relationship with your abuser does not match any of the listed examples. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can review your situation and help you petition for relief from further abuse and harm.

How Can I Get a Protective Order in Maryland?

To petition for a long-term protective order (known as a final protective order), you will have to attend a hearing to prove that you have been abused. It is critical that you show up to this hearing at the scheduled date and time. If your abuser does not attend, the judge could decide to enter a default judgment, resulting in the protective order being granted.

If the judge grants a final protective order, your abuser could be ordered to cease all contact with you and stop any harassing behaviors, in addition to other appropriate actions like giving up any guns. The final protective order can also prohibit your abuser from coming to your home or workplace. If violated, the protective order could be extended, and your abuser could face criminal charges.

Contact a Glen Burnie Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

You have a right to safety and security against domestic abuse. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Glen Burnie domestic violence attorneys are here to help you seek reprieve from harm in your household. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation today.