Frederick County Roommate Violence Lawyer

Many people have roommates at some point in their life. Everybody hopes that their living situation will be safe and peaceful, but sometimes conflict occurs, and some people may accuse their housemate of domestic violence, requiring assistance from a domestic violence lawyer. If you are facing allegations of assaulting your roommate, a Frederick County roommate violence lawyer may be able to help you fight these charges and minimize consequences.

What is Roommate Violence in Frederick County?

Roommate violence is dictated by the relationship between the parties. If people share a residence, they are roommates. However, it is important to note that roommates have no greater protections or rights than a stranger on the street or a coworker. This is different than when the parties are related by blood or marriage. Relatives who believe they have been attacked could seek a protective order or press criminal charges.

However, for roommates, there are no protective orders, only peace orders which do not have as much strength and authority as a court-issued protective order. Other than their being roommates and there being the issue of what a judge can do when people live together, there is not much protection or other issues that can arise from being a roommate or a stranger. It is important to note that if the roommates were in a sexual relationship within the prior year, they are entitled to seek a protective order.

Are Accusations of Roommate Violence Treated as Seriously as Other Domestic Violence Charges?

All violence is treated seriously,  but roommate violence does not rise to the level of domestic violence in that roommates are no longer connected and can move on with their lives never seeing each other again after they move out. However, brother-sister, husband-wife, parent-child, they are stuck for life in that relationship. As such, there will always be concerns about reoccurrence or future relationship interactions that just do not exist for roommates.

The Consequences of Roommate Violence

If a person is charged with assault, a judge could order the person to have no contact and not return to their own residence. This is generally the most significant ramification beyond being arrested and sent to jail. A defendant might have to leave their home for the entire pendency of the court case which may take months.

If the defendant is then convicted, they will have a criminal record for a crime of violence. In addition to having a criminal record, they might have trouble finding jobs and getting professional licenses due to the history of violence. They will not be able to own a firearm ever again in their lives and if they have any firearms, they will be forced to give them up.

Defending Against False Accusations in Frederick County

Anyone accused falsely is best able to protect themselves by hiring an attorney experienced in Frederick County roommate violence cases. If the state cannot prove its case,  it is the duty of the attorney to challenge the evidence and obtain an acquittal or dismissal of the charges, regardless of what actually occurred. When someone who is innocent has been accused, there is almost always an ulterior motive as to why someone would charge an innocent party.

Calling a Local Housemate Abuse Attorney Could Help

If you have been charged with assaulting your roommate, you should speak to an attorney immediately to get guidance and instruction. It is easier to defend a case if the right steps are taken early on. Evidence must be collected before there is any uncertainty. A Frederick County roommate violence lawyer could move quickly to make sure evidence is preserved and obtained to build a proper defense. Call right away to get the legal help you need.