Frederick County Spousal Abuse Lawyer

Spousal abuse is any circumstance in which one spouse who is married or engaged abuses, threatens, harasses, or uses physical violence against their partner. Allegations of spouse-on-spouse violence are very serious, potentially leading to prison and even permanent restrictions on your liberty. If your spouse is alleging that you have abused them are you are facing charges, it is essential to consult a Frederick County spousal abuse lawyer. A domestic violence defense attorney could work by your side to minimize the impact of conviction or prevent it in the first place.

What is the Difference Between Spousal Abuse and Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a category that involves any kind of criminal behavior between two parties who are related. Spousal abuse is a subsection that defines just a relationship as between spouses and falls under the umbrella of domestic violence. In either situation, protective orders are often filed by one (or both) spouses in order to separate the two parties for the safety of the allegedly abused party.

What Should Someone Do After Spousal Abuse Allegations?

Defendants should speak to an attorney immediately because these are very serious allegations that can have far-reaching consequences. An attorney could guide a defendant through the legal process and help prevent them from saying anything that could harm their case. Working with a defense attorney experienced in spousal abuse cases in Frederick County is essential to presenting a proper defense. There are certain pitfalls to avoid, certain steps to take, and only legal counsel skilled in this particular area of law will know precisely what is the best course of action to get the best possible result.

The Penalties for a Partner Beating Conviction in Frederick County

Spousal abuse is a category of crime and the severity of the consequences all depends on the nature of the charge the defendant is facing. If someone is facing second-degree assault, that carries 10 years of incarceration. First-degree assault carries 25 years in prison. Trespassing would result in a few months in jail, the same as a violation of a protective order. If there is a prior history between the parties or if that individual has prior domestic assault charges related, the defendant may be facing even more severe penalties.

However, in every case, there are always mitigating factors to exploit. In some instances, there are many avenues a seasoned Frederick County spousal abuse lawyer could pursue and in other cases there is little that can be done to minimize the impact of a conviction. With an attorney experienced in these types of cases, defendants may have a better chance of finding an element of the case that could help them reduce punishment or even prevent conviction in the first place.

How an Attorney Could Help Defendants in Spousal Assault Cases

A local lawyer could help explain the procedure, steps, process and the defense strategy that needs to be taken in the wake of these allegations. There may be mitigating steps that could help you move past these charges. If you are facing charges for assaulting your spouse or partner, it may be time to consult a Frederick County spousal abuse lawyer. Call today to start working on your defense.