Domestic Violence / Protective Orders

Maryland ● Washington, D.C., Domestic Violence Lawyers

Being arrested for domestic violence is a serious criminal matter. If convicted, you could be fined, sentenced to jail and end up with a permanent criminal record. If a restraining order is issued against you, federal law requires that you relinquish ownership of any firearms you own. You will also be required to vacate the premises of any home or apartment you share with the person who requested the restraining order. At the law office of Brennan Sullivan & McKenna, our attorneys act immediately to assert our client's rights and prevent further escalation of potential legal problems. We hire our own investigators to gather evidence and eyewitness testimony that challenges and undermines the allegations against you.

Don't let a charge of domestic violence lead to jail, a criminal record and other legal problems. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case, contact domestic violence attorneys at Brennan Sullivan & McKenna today.

Fighting Domestic Violence Charges

In order to diffuse a potentially volatile situation, police usually arrest the male involved in a domestic dispute. Since the police are primarily interested in taking steps to ensure things don't escalate, they don’t always spend time interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence or getting both sides of a story. Consequently, husbands, ex-husbands and boyfriends can find themselves arrested on charges of domestic violence, even in cases where they acted in self-defense, did not assault anyone or did not start a fight.

At Brennan Sullivan & McKenna, our attorneys interview neighbors and eyewitnesses, check emergency room medical records and gather other pertinent evidence in order to tell your side of the story. When appropriate, we ask that the alleged victim be given a psychological and medical evaluation to determine if mental problems, drug/alcohol abuse or depression could have played a role in making false or misleading accusations against our client.

Complications Associated with Restraining Orders

Taking out a restraining order is relatively simple and straightforward. Anyone who believes he or she is in immediate danger can sign an affidavit at their local courthouse testifying to the threat posed by a particular person. Once a restraining order is issued, it will be in effect for 10 days. Afterwards, a hearing will be held to determine if it should be extended or terminated. During that time, you will be required to vacate any living space shared by the person requesting the restraining order. You will also be required to avoid ALL contact with him or her — including email and phone contact.

If you violated — or are suspected of violating — a protective order, you can be arrested immediately. If the restraining order against you is extended beyond the initial 10 day period, you cannot own or possess firearms. Electronic monitoring may also be employed. While you cannot present evidence when the initial restraining order is filed, you can present testimony and other facts at your hearing 10 days later. Our attorneys can help prepare evidence and information to fight the restraining order and help you avoid additional legal complications.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer? Why Not Plead "Guilty" and Be Done?

Pleading "guilty" to a domestic violence charge could impact your life in a number of ways. If you are divorced and have children, your visitation rights could be affected or your custody rights denied. Since most employers have a zero tolerance policy regarding criminal convictions, even if you are given probation you could lose your job. Additionally, by pleading guilty to domestic violence, you will have to answer "yes" on job applications that ask if you have ever been convicted of a felony.

Don't let a domestic violence charge lead to other complications — contact criminal defense attorneys at the law office of Brennan Sullivan & McKenna today.