Domestic Violence Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Domestic violence charges in Prince George’s County are serious, often classified as second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-203, carrying up to 10 years in jail. A domestic violence lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these allegations.
Maryland Domestic Violence Law and Penalties
In Maryland, domestic violence is not a single crime but a category of offenses committed against a person with a specific domestic relationship. Common charges include assault, reckless endangerment, stalking, and violation of a protective order. The classification and penalties depend on the specific alleged act and the severity of injury. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. A protective order violation, under Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509, is a separate criminal contempt charge that can result in jail time and fines, even if the underlying allegation did not lead to a criminal conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s assault laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-203 (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court procedures and forms related to protective orders in Prince George’s County, visit the District Court of Maryland’s Prince George’s County directory.
handling a Domestic Violence Case in Prince George’s County
A key local procedural fact is that an arrest for an alleged domestic assault in Prince George’s County often leads to an immediate temporary protective order hearing. The State’s Attorney’s office for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases vigorously. An experienced domestic abuse defense lawyer Prince George’s County can challenge the state’s evidence, question the credibility of the accuser, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed. In many cases, prosecutors may offer a disposition like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation terms are completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Protective Order: After an arrest, you will have a bail review. A temporary protective order may be issued. Contact a lawyer immediately.
- Case Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain police reports, 911 calls, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Negotiation & Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable resolution, such as PBJ or dismissal.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement isn’t in your best interest, your attorney will prepare a full defense for trial in District Court.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted or if you accept a plea, your lawyer will advocate for the most favorable sentence, such as probation instead of jail.
- Long-Term Considerations: Address any collateral consequences, such as protective order modifications or expungement eligibility after the case concludes.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Offenses
In Prince George’s County, domestic violence-related charges carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, protective orders, and loss of firearm rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault (Domestic) | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Protective order; loss of firearm rights; possible loss of child custody/visitation. |
| Reckless Endangerment | Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Often charged alongside assault. |
| Violation of Protective Order | Contempt / Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year (first offense) | Up to $1,000 | Separate penalty; can be charged even if underlying case is dismissed. |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Severe injury or use of a weapon alleged; tried in Circuit Court. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that domestic violence allegations are emotionally charged and can have devastating personal consequences. Our approach is to provide a vigorous, fact-based defense while handling the sensitive dynamics of these cases. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across Maryland and other jurisdictions.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are unique to each case, our firm-wide commitment is to aggressive defense. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In domestic violence cases, favorable outcomes can include case dismissals, acquittals, charges being reduced to non-domestic offenses, or securing Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a permanent conviction. Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state experience who provides strategic oversight.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Domestic Violence Lawyer Near Prince George’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro. We represent individuals from Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Domestic Violence Defense
What should I do if I am falsely accused of domestic violence in Prince George’s County?
Do not speak to the police or anyone from the State’s Attorney’s office without an attorney. Contact a domestic violence lawyer Prince Georges County immediately. Gather any evidence that supports your innocence, such as text messages, emails, or witness contact information, and provide it to your lawyer.
Can a protective order be fought in Prince George’s County?
Yes. You have the right to a hearing to contest a temporary or final protective order. A protective order lawyer Prince George’s County can represent you at this hearing, cross-examine the petitioner, and present evidence to show the order is not warranted.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a domestic violence charge?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. It is a potential outcome for many misdemeanor domestic charges and can be a critical goal for your defense.
Will a domestic violence charge affect my child custody case?
It depends. A conviction or even an active protective order can significantly impact family court decisions regarding custody and visitation. It is essential to have a lawyer who can defend the criminal case while advising on its potential interplay with any ongoing family law matters.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor domestic assault charge?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanors like second-degree assault carry penalties of up to 10 years in jail. An experienced domestic abuse defense lawyer Prince George’s County can negotiate for a dismissal or PBJ, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
Related Legal Services in Prince George’s County
If you are facing other legal challenges, our firm also provides representation for DUI/DWI charges and divorce and family law matters. For more information on our statewide practice, visit our Maryland criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your domestic violence case in Prince George’s County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.