Domestic Violence Lawyer

Attorney holding a notepad reading Protective Order during a domestic violence consultation
Domestic Violence Lawyer

Protect Your Rights in Maryland & Washington, D.C.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing domestic violence or facing charges related to it, seeking legal help is crucial. A dedicated family domestic violence lawyer can guide you through this difficult time, ensuring that your rights are protected while navigating the complex legal system in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Whether you need a protective order, peace order, or defense against accusations, an experienced attorney is essential for safeguarding your well-being and legal interests. It’s time to do the right thing and contact a family domestic violence lawyer.

Why You Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence cases are emotionally charged and legally intricate, requiring a skilled lawyer who understands the nuances of family law. Whether you’re seeking protection from an abusive situation or defending yourself against false allegations, an experienced lawyer can provide the necessary legal support.

  • Guide You Through Legal Options: Understand your rights and explore available legal options for protection or defense.

  • Help You Obtain Protective Orders: Assist victims in acquiring protective or peace orders to ensure their safety.

  • Defend Against False Allegations: Offer a strong defense if you’ve been wrongfully accused of domestic violence.

  • Navigate Sensitive Family Issues: Address concerns involving child custody, divorce, and family safety.
Having a lawyer who is well-versed in domestic violence laws can greatly influence the outcome of your case.
Understanding Domestic Violence

Types of Abuse

Domestic violence includes a wide range of abusive behaviors, all aimed at exerting power and control over another person. It can affect individuals in family relationships, marriages, or dating situations.

Common Forms of Domestic Violence Include:

  • Physical Abuse: Inflicting bodily harm, such as hitting, slapping, or kicking.

  • Verbal Abuse: Insults, threats, or manipulative language aimed at diminishing the victim’s self-worth.

  • Sexual Abuse: Forced or unwanted sexual contact.

  • Emotional Abuse: Criticism, humiliation, and manipulation.

  • Financial Abuse: Control over access to finances and economic resources. 
In Maryland and Washington, D.C., domestic violence laws offer protection for victims in familial, household, or dating relationships.

How Protective Orders Work in Maryland & Washington, D.C.

A protective order is a legal tool to stop abuse and prevent further contact between the victim and the abuser. There are two main types of orders:
01

Temporary Protective Orders

Issued quickly to provide immediate protection, valid until a court hearing takes place.

02

Permanent Restraining Orders

Issued after a full court hearing, providing long-term protection.

Client Experiences with Tina Sharma

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Jared Hester
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Spoke with Claire and William. Absolutely amazing. Claire meets the true definition of an advocate! Highly recommend talking to her. Skillful and empathetic.
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Anaya Harris
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So grateful for the help that Ashton gave me during a very difficult time in my life. Hopefully I never need her services again, but if I do I know where to go to get the job done!
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Noelle Hendrickse
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I had a great experience with this firm. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and they truly CARED about my case. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend them!!!!
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Francisca Maldonado
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I highly recommend this law office!!! They made my case super easy to follow, Clara Pomper was my lawyer and she was so communicative and made a stressful situation so calm! Love them! 1000/1000
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Ashley Harding
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This review is based on my personal opinion and experience: This office provides excellent service for divorce, adoption, and other family law cases. They also work on immigration cases, so they have the extensive experience if you have a family law case that involves immigration matters. They also have services for Special Immigrant Juvenile/Adoption Cases, family immigration and business immigration cases. The attorneys will work very hard for you. Their calm, friendly and empathetic manners will give you the needed emotional support to you and those you care for the most during the most trying of times. All the attorneys and employees are awesome. They treat their clients extremely well. I hereby recommend Ms. Sharma and her law office without reservation.
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Ross Paterson
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I really appreciate all the hard work that Tina and Ashley put in to make my Green Card application successful. They know what they are doing in these matters and I am very grateful to them both, and their extended team! Thank you!
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Carlton Curtis
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Only fantastic amazing legal service from The Offices of Tina Sharma. The office has a spectacularly professional team. They will never leave you hanging. Hands down, the best legal practice in Silver Spring, MD.

Key Benefits of Protective Orders:

An experienced family domestic violence attorney can help you file for a protective order, navigate the court system, and ensure your safety.

What Are Peace Orders and How Are They Different?

In Maryland and Washington, D.C., a Peace Order serves a similar function to a protective order but applies in cases where the person accused of abuse is not a family or household member. This may include situations involving neighbors, coworkers, or strangers.

Like protective orders, peace orders can be either temporary or permanent. A peace order can be critical in situations involving stalking, harassment, or verbal threats.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges

If you are facing accusations of domestic violence, you must act quickly to protect your rights. False accusations are unfortunately not uncommon, and an experienced lawyer can provide a defense by:
  • Gathering Evidence: Collecting physical evidence and witness testimony to support your case.

  • Self-Defense Claims: If the violence was in self-defense or in defense of another person, your lawyer can help present this argument effectively.

  • Challenging the Allegations: Demonstrating that the accusations are false or exaggerated. 
Our attorney can help you navigate the complexities of criminal charges related to domestic violence, including assault, aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, or violation of a protective order.
Domestic Violence and Family Law

Impact on Divorce & Child Custody

Domestic violence accusations can significantly affect divorce proceedings, child custody decisions, and spousal support. Courts take these allegations seriously when determining custody arrangements, visitation rights, and even financial support.

A family law attorney will help you understand how domestic violence allegations will affect decisions in your case related to custody, visitation, and child support.

How Domestic Violence Affects Family Law

01

Child Custody & Visitation

Allegations of domestic violence can impact your rights to custody or visitation. If you're the victim, a protective order may influence custody decisions, ensuring the safety of your children.

02

Divorce & Asset Division

Domestic violence can impact how assets are divided in a divorce and whether spousal support is awarded.

03

Legal Protection for Children

A domestic violence attorney can advocate for the safety of children, ensuring that they are not placed in a dangerous environment.

Schedule an Appointment Now!

Reach out to a dedicated domestic violence lawyer to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.