Domestic Violence Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Domestic violence charges in Anne Arundel County are prosecuted aggressively under Maryland law, carrying severe penalties including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. A conviction can impact child custody, employment, and housing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing these charges at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
Maryland Domestic Violence Laws and Penalties
In Maryland, domestic violence is not a single crime but a category of offenses committed against a person with whom the accused has a specific relationship. These relationships include current or former spouses, cohabitants, parents of a child, or relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption. Common charges include assault, reckless endangerment, stalking, and violation of a protective order. The severity of penalties depends on the specific offense and the defendant’s prior record.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Second-degree assault, a common domestic violence charge, is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-203. It carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. A protective order violation under Md. Code, Family Law § 4-509 is also a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense, with penalties increasing for subsequent violations. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in building defenses.
Court Process and Defense Strategy in Anne Arundel County
Domestic violence cases in Anne Arundel County typically begin in the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. The process moves quickly. An experienced domestic violence lawyer Anne Arundel County can intervene early, often at the bail hearing, to argue for your release and work towards a favorable outcome. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Anne Arundel County pursues these cases vigorously, making a strong defense critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions, which may include a no-contact order.
- Protective Order Hearing: The alleged victim may petition for a temporary protective order. A final hearing is typically scheduled within 7 days.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all police reports, 911 calls, and witness statements.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney argues for minimal penalties. You have the right to appeal a District Court conviction for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges
In Anne Arundel County, domestic violence charges carry penalties ranging from probation and fines to significant jail time, depending on the specific offense and criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault 2nd Degree | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Protective order, loss of firearm rights |
| Reckless Endangerment | Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | — |
| Protective Order Violation (1st) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $1,000 | Contempt findings, extended protective order |
| Stalking | Misdemeanor/Felony | Up to 5 years (Felony: Up to 10 years) | Up to $5,000 | Restraining order, counseling mandate |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Anne Arundel County Domestic Violence Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to domestic violence defense. Founded in 1997, our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep understanding of family-related legal codes that often intersect with domestic violence cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Anne Arundel County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide results demonstrate our approach. For example, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious charges such as child pornography distribution in Maryland courts. In another case, we negotiated a result of 5 years incarceration fully suspended with supervised probation for a possession charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Domestic Violence Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland office represents clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We serve communities throughout the county including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. Our location is accessible via major highways I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
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 in Anne Arundel County
What should I do if I am accused of domestic violence in Anne Arundel County?
Remain silent and contact a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the incident with the alleged victim or anyone else, as anything you say can be used against you. A domestic abuse defense lawyer Anne Arundel County can advise you on how to handle the initial arrest, bail hearing, and any temporary protective order proceedings.
Can the alleged victim drop the charges against me?
It depends. In Maryland, domestic violence cases are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney, not the alleged victim. While the victim’s cooperation influences the case, the prosecutor can proceed without them. A protective order lawyer Anne Arundel County can negotiate with the prosecutor regarding the victim’s wishes as part of the defense strategy.
What is a protective order and how does it affect my case?
A protective order is a civil court order that can prohibit contact, mandate moving out of a shared home, and grant temporary custody. Violating it is a separate crime. An experienced domestic violence lawyer Anne Arundel County can represent you at the protective order hearing to contest its issuance or limit its terms.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in a domestic violence case?
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. PBJ may be available for some domestic violence misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, but it is not guaranteed.
Will a domestic violence charge affect my child custody case?
Yes. A finding of domestic violence, even without a conviction, can severely impact child custody and visitation decisions in family court. It is critical to have a lawyer who can defend the criminal charge while also advising on the potential family law consequences.
For more information on related legal matters, see our pages on Maryland Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense in Montgomery County, and Family Law in Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.