Facing domestic violence accusations is never a pleasant experience and can turn your world on its head in an instant. Maryland law treats these allegations seriously, often leading to life-altering consequences, including restraining orders, child custody losses, and jail time.
Fortunately, Kunka Law LLC attorney Matt Kunka can help. He has dealt with numerous domestic violence cases of all types across his career, supporting you with a mix of compassion and ruthless examination of the evidence. He serves Frederick, Baltimore, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties from offices in Columbia and Glen Burnie, providing discreet consultations to define your position and strategies moving forward.
Domestic violence cases go beyond standard legal battles because of the personal element involved. Often, family members bring charges against you, which can be even more painful.
That’s why Matt manages your case with sensitivity and compassion. He understands the difficulties and can ensure you tell your story in a way that serves your interests to generate the best possible outlook. Matt knows that every family situation is different and that cases can take an emotional toll.
What Is Domestic Violence In Maryland?
Domestic violence is a slippery and complex topic in Maryland. Therefore, it is critical to understand it and what it means.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Physical abuse: Domestic violence includes things like hitting, choking, or other forms of bodily harm (like deliberately burning someone).
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Manipulation, verbal threats, and intimidation can also constitute domestic violence. For example, a spouse may threaten to spill their partner’s secrets or continually force them to do something they don’t want.
- Financial abuse: Spouses who control finances or withhold money from their partners can be found guilty of domestic violence, as can those who deliberately sabotage their partner’s job or ability to earn money.
- Stalking and harassment: Domestic violence may also include unwanted contact or following/monitoring a person who doesn’t want the attention or to be in the relationship.
The Legal Consequences
Convictions can result in 10 years in jail (for repeat offenders), and you can receive a permanent criminal record (if convicted).
However, the legal consequences of domestic violence can go beyond the courtroom. These include:
- Damage to your reputation: Many people accused and convicted of domestic violence can be subject to social stigma and even find it challenging to obtain work for many years afterward.
- Restraining orders: Courts may bar you from entering your home and ban contact with your spouse or children.
- Loss of custody: Courts may prevent you from seeing your children and even refuse to grant visitation rights in some circumstances.
Because the consequences of a domestic violence charge can be so life-changing, it is essential to work with an attorney who can defend you in court. Matt Kunka acts quickly and strategically to ensure the best possible outcome, given your situation and the strength of the evidence against you.
Why Matt Kunka Can Help You In Your Domestic Violence Case
Matt Kunka is more than a legal mind. He is also someone who can assist you in navigating the emotional challenges and turmoil of working through a domestic violence charge. Having worked with numerous clients in similar situations, he knows what you are going through.
Part of Matt’s appeal is his discreet handling of cases. He knows that privacy matters and always considers it in his work. He aims to shield your personal life from unwarranted exposure to keep your case private.
As part of this, Matt understands that no two cases are alike. He understands that the best defense strategies are those tailored to your circumstances and requirements. His interrogative style looks far and wide for elements that could support your case and help you present your side of the story to the prosecution and court.
Furthermore, Matt has substantial expertise in domestic violence cases throughout Maryland and understands the inner workings of the state’s justice system. He knows how courtroom dynamics work in these trials and what you can do to use them to your advantage.
Ultimately, Matt offers compassionate guidance and steady support during domestic violence cases. He is an advocate who understands your predicament, working tirelessly to ensure more favorable outcomes for child access and sentencing. Clients trust Matt because of his results, whether securing visitation rights, challenging evidence, or securing your acquittal in court.
Building Your Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges In Maryland
Matt leverages multiple strategies to ensure you can defend yourself against domestic violence charges in Maryland. He looks at all possibilities, exploring the options you have at your disposal and how to deploy them.
For example, Matt can assist with false allegations. He can explore whether family members accuse you because of misunderstandings, spite, or a desire to harm your reputation. He can also explore options in custody cases where the accuser has a motive against you.
Self-defense is another avenue Matt can explore with you. He can argue that you were trying to protect yourself if your partner attacked you.
If the evidence against you is poor, arguing that it is “insufficient” is also an option. Matt can examine weak testimony against you or expose the motivations behind the prosecution’s case.
Finally, Matt can sometimes get cases thrown out if law enforcement overstepped their legal bounds. In these cases, courts can’t admit some cases or evidence.
During the defense, Matt predicts the prosecution’s next move and aims to counter them. He plays three-dimensional chess moves, ensuring you use the law to protect your interests to the maximum extent possible.
Dealing With Restraining Orders
Restraining orders are among the most punitive outcomes of domestic violence cases and something you will be keen to avoid if you have children. These orders restrict where you can go and whom you can visit. Learn more about what proof is needed for a restraining order in Maryland.
Fortunately, Matt has substantial experience in fighting these. For example, he can:
- Challenge the order and fight for the court to lift it if it is based on flimsy evidence
- Help you modify the terms of the restraining order to make it more favorable to you
- Advocating for you during restraining order hearings to ensure you receive fair, due process
Matt works with you in person as your case unfolds, reacting depending on the circumstances and how the court proceeds. At every juncture, he seeks opportunities to improve your situation.
The Domestic Violence Legal Process In Maryland
Understanding how the domestic violence legal process works in Maryland lets you know what to expect at each stage. Matt can guide and assist you through this process at every step.
1. Initial accusation
This stage occurs when someone in your family, usually your spouse, reports domestic violence to the police. Officers then arrest you following minimal investigation and put you in a jail cell.
2. Protective order hearing
Next, a judge decides whether to grant bail (which they usually will) and whether to extend a temporary barring order beyond the initial period. If you're the one seeking protection, here's how to get a restraining order in Maryland.
3. Criminal charges filed
Police may also decide to charge you with domestic violence crimes at this time. These can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on what they believe took place.
4. Discover and negotiation
Matt gathers the available evidence and looks for ways for prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
5. Trial
Sometimes, cases go to trial. If they do, Matt works with you to improve outcomes for you as much as possible, including reducing penalties or clearing your name.
Why You Should Act Quickly Following A Domestic Abuse Charge
Domestic abuse charges require you to act quickly. It could weaken your defense and leave you vulnerable to prosecution if you don’t.
Therefore, contact Matt Kunka immediately or as soon as you can after arrest. He can represent you to the police and guide you on what to do next. He can also:
- Mitigate the challenges against you, including any protective orders placed by the judge
- Secure evidence before anyone loses it, including text messages or police records
- Shape a narrative that’s more favorable to you.
Contact Matt Kunka for Domestic Violence Defense In Maryland
Are you facing a domestic violence charge in Maryland? If so, Matt Kunka is here to help prevent it from defining your life. At Kunka Law, LLC, we offer compassionate and highly effective representation in these challenging periods, helping you establish superior outcomes.
Get your free consultation today, or complete our online form to schedule your appointment.
Maryland Domestic Violence FAQs
Domestic violence is a broad category in Maryland that includes multiple crimes. Depending on the conviction, sentences can range from 90 days to 10 years in prison.
Matt can look into the possibility of getting domestic violence charges against you dropped or acquitting you.
Restraining orders are legal documents that prevent you from seeing people involved in the case or traveling to specific areas, like your home. Matt can help you challenge these.