A single allegation of domestic violence can lead to an overwhelming sequence of events. That is, you may get arrested and get a protective order filed against you. Then, you may have to stand before a criminal court and fight off the possibility of receiving criminal consequences. But even if you can do this, this event may cause long-term damage to your professional and personal reputation. With all that being said, please continue reading to learn the possible penalties for domestic violence under Maryland law and how one of the experienced Prince George’s County domestic violence lawyers at Miller and Berman can help you defend against these damaging accusations.

What counts as domestic violence under Maryland law?

Of note, Maryland does not have a standalone crime labeled as domestic violence. But domestic violence may be involved in certain recognized crimes like first-degree assault, second-degree assault, stalking, harassment, or a violation of a protective order. So, this conduct may either be deemed a misdemeanor or a felony. 

Therefore, by its general definition, domestic violence is the abuse or mistreatment of a qualified family or household member, which may be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or psychological in nature. That said, a qualified family or household member may be a spouse, former spouse, individual with whom you share a child, relative, or cohabitant. 

What are the penalties for a domestic violence offense in Maryland?

To reiterate, domestic violence may be cited in cases pertaining to other criminal offenses before a Maryland court. So without further ado, below are the potential penalties you may face if you are ultimately found guilty of perpetrating such an incident: 

  • If domestic violence was present in a first-degree assault case:
    • Up to 25 years of imprisonment.
    • Up to five years of probation.
    • Up to $5,000 in fines.
  • If domestic violence was present in a second-degree assault case:
    • Up to 10 years of imprisonment.
    • Potential probation.
    • Up to a $2,500 fine.
  • If domestic violence was present in a stalking case:
    • Up to five years of imprisonment.
    • Up to a $5,000 fine.
  • If domestic violence was present in a harassment case:
    • Up to 90 days of jail time.
    • Up to a $500 fine.
  • If domestic violence was involved in a protective order violation:
    • Up to 90 days of jail time.
    • Up to a $1,000 fine.

Besides prison or jail time and fines, any of these charges may carry many other weighty consequences. For example, this is the possibility of triggering federal firearm prohibitions. Or, the effects on your ability to secure housing, employment, or child custody rights. 

For further legal guidance, please look no further than one of the skilled Prince George’s County criminal lawyers. When you work with Miller and Berman, you can trust that you are in good hands. Schedule a consultation with us today.