Local Defense for Domestic Violence, Assault & Protective Orders
If you are facing charges related to domestic violence, assault, or protective orders in Glen Burnie or Anne Arundel County, you need a lawyer experienced in Maryland’s Domestic Violence Act—Maryland Code Family Law Articles § 4‑501 through § 4‑516—and familiar with local court procedures. At Kunka Law, LLC, we provide strong criminal defense and comprehensive protective order representation on a contingency basis (meaning no fees unless we win).
???? Schedule a free, confidential case review now: (410) 787-0110)
???? What Counts as “Domestic Violence” in Maryland?
Under Maryland Family Law § 4‑501(b)(1), “abuse” includes:
- Assault or threats of serious bodily harm,
- Sexual assault or stalking,
- False imprisonment or “revenge porn” (non-consensual intimate image sharing).
Per § 4‑701, it qualifies as domestic violence if it occurred between: spouses/cohabitants, exes who have a child together, or dating partners within the past year. Roommates who aren’t romantically involved typically do not meet that threshold.
Most domestic violence charges arise from incidents reported to law enforcement, leading to arrest, possible defensive consequences, and mandatory temporary protective orders.
???? Domestic Violence in Anne Arundel – By the Numbers
According to the District Court’s FY2023 report, Anne Arundel officers handled over 11,800 domestic violence-related protective orders or peace orders—more than any surrounding jurisdiction aside from Baltimore County.
Missed deadlines or a conviction—on first-degree assault or even “second-degree” domestic assault—can result in jail, restrictions, and long-term impact: from firearm bans to employment or custodial issues.
???? Criminal Penalties & Protective Order Risks
Even if a misdemeanor, Maryland domestic assault is often upgraded or paired with protective order consequences:
- Assault in the first or second degree (such as strangulation or causing serious bodily injury) may lead to felony charges with up to 25 years’ imprisonment under Criminal Law § 3‑202 or § 3‑203 (for assault on a protected victim type, e.g. police, child).
- Law enforcement may issue a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) on-site, followed within days by a Final Protective Order (FPO) hearing; courts may issue orders lasting up to 1 year (or up to 2 years in certain circumstances) if abuse is proven by preponderance of evidence.
- Protective orders may prohibit contact with alleged victims, restrict residency, or require surrender of firearms. Violation results in automatic arrest and criminal offense per Anne Arundel police procedures.
These civil and criminal overlaps can multiply your legal exposure.
✅ Why Specialized Defense Matters in Domestic Violence Cases
- Statutory and procedural complexity—domestic violence has its own filing system (DVRO/CC-DC-DV forms), strict hearing timelines (usually hearing within 7 days), and separate administrative record-keeping. Missteps can lead to default orders that cannot be reversed easily.
- Potential consequences beyond jail—convictions may affect child custody, immigration, gun rights, and job prospects. A domestic violence notation remains on your Maryland Court system file.
- Court familiarity and consistency—the same Clayton Judge and DV practitioners rotate through Anne Arundel Circuit and District courts. Overlooked defense points are often fate-determining.
- Firearms seizure and return—Anne Arundel policy requires the sheriff to confiscate firearms upon issuance of a FPO; reclaiming them later demands attention to strict timelines and forms.
???? How the Kunka Law Domestic Violence Defense Process Works
| Step | What We Do |
| Free Consultation | Review of allegations, case documents, and planning strategy. |
| Protective Order Defense | Representation at interim court, suppression of affidavits, and negotiation to limit restrictions. |
| Pretrial Investigation | Review police body-cam, 911 calls, communications, and corroborating evidence. |
| Criminal Defense | Filing motions to suppress, analysis of self-defense or mutuality, or negotiation of lesser charges. |
| Trial or Plea | We pursue dismissal, reduced charges (e.g., disturbing the peace instead of assault), or minimal probation. |
| Post-Resolution Support | Help with expungement eligibility, custody advocacy, and record sealing when applicable. |
???? What Clients in Glen Burnie Have Said
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will law enforcement arrest me even before trial?
Yes. Under Maryland Code § 4‑504, police may arrest on sight if met with probable cause and risk of further abuse. Even without a warrant, the court imposes a TPO automatically.
How soon is the protective order hearing?
Courts must hold a Final Protective Order hearing within 7 calendar days of TPO service (based on § 4‑506 timing rules).
Are protective orders automatically renewed?
No. Unless one party requests an extension and meets the standard, FPOs expire at either 1 or 2 years, unless a permanent order is issued (e.g., related to sexual offenses).
Will a case go on my record even if we reach a plea?
A conviction—even a misdemeanor—appears on your Maryland Judiciary Case Search record. Expungement is possible later, depending on the outcome and sentence.
???? Take Action to Protect Your Rights & Freedom
Domestic violence cases and protective orders carry serious, life-changing consequences. Immediate, knowledgeable defense is essential to avoiding jail, record harm, or family impact.
Call (410) 787-0110) today to request your free case review.
We respond 24/7 and are licensed to serve clients across Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Severna Park, Crofton, and Anne Arundel County.
We prosecute domestic violence defense on contingency—no fee unless we successfully limit penalties or achieve favorable resolution.
Let Kunka Law stand with you to protect your dignity, rights, and future.