Differences Between Assault and Domestic Violence in Baltimore
One of the primary differences between assault and domestic violence in Baltimore is the relationship between the alleged perpetrator and alleged victim. In Maryland, assault is defined as a harmful or offensive unconsented-to contact. Domestic violence is an overarching category that details any assaultive behavior or abuse, involving either a domestic party or, someone with whom they have been involved with more closely than the average stranger or acquaintance. Spousal abuse is a sub-section of that, which delineates those two that are married and does not include people such as brothers, sisters, parents, children, and things of that nature. In order to get a better understanding of domestic violence charges, speak with a capable domestic violence lawyer that could answer your questions, and fight tirelessly in your defense.
Treatment of Domestic Violence Cases vs Assault Cases
Another one of the differences between assault and domestic violence in Baltimore is the way that the courts treat both offenses. These cases are treated differently in the courts because if someone is in a bar or a baseball game and gets into a dispute with a stranger then that is seen in a vacuum. It is one isolated incident against one person whom they have no relationship with. When an attorney is dealing with domestic violence, however, it must be addressed in a more nuanced manner because the attorney is dealing with two people that more than likely will have to see each other in the future and may have kids together, or may be related. It is just two individuals that will not get just to leave each other alone and never see each other again.
Protecting Relationships in Domestic Violence Cases
Another one of the differences between assault and domestic violence in Baltimore is that an attorney typically takes more care to ensure that complainant is protected from future occurrences. At the same time, the attorney does not want to create issues in the relationship between the parties. Ideally, individuals would be able to interact without issue or threat.
Penalties for Assault and Domestic Violence Offenses
Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years’ incarceration and a $2,500 fine. One of the differences between assault and domestic violence in Baltimore is that often times, without a conviction or probation, the conditions required for release are different. For example, if someone is in a fight at a bar or at a ball game and alcohol is involved, get them into an alcohol class. If it is just a matter of anger, then an individual might have to take a mandated anger management course. When someone is dealing with domestic issues, there could be relationship classes, there could be family parenting classes, which obviously would not be appropriate for people that are strangers. That is more tailored to the individual domestic relationship. If there is a future occurrence between the same two parties, it is going to be prosecuted much more harshly than if it was just a regular assault against a stranger. If an individual has been charged with a domestic violence offense, they should contact a capable attorney that could build their defense and help them meet the conditions of release for their case.