Maryland Criminal Defense · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Statewide
Maryland Criminal Defense · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Statewide
A domestic violence charge in Maryland carries consequences that go far beyond court — your freedom, your family, your firearms rights, and your career are all on the line. Allan Rombro aggressively defends clients in both civil and criminal court.
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If you are charged with assault and the other party is your current or former spouse or partner, the case can automatically move into Maryland’s “domestic violence” arena. Some jurisdictions — including Baltimore City — have dedicated domestic violence task forces with special prosecutors and extra resources specifically designed to pursue these cases aggressively. Jail sentences are routinely sought.
If you are facing a protective or peace order, and you lose at your hearing, you will likely be required to surrender any firearms you own. You will face restrictions on where you can go and who you can see. A conviction will harm your career, your lifestyle, your custody rights, and your freedom.
Some defense attorneys are too willing to make a deal with prosecutors. This can be a serious mistake, particularly in criminal domestic violence cases where a conviction carries life-altering consequences. The Law Offices of Allan Rombro aggressively defends clients accused of domestic violence in both civil and criminal courts — and will build a strong, persuasive case on your behalf.
Allan’s approach: investigate every aspect of your case, listen to your story, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses using the facts and the law.
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Domestic arguments that lead to assault charges are among the most common cases in Maryland courts. Both felony and misdemeanor assault allegations are treated with significant seriousness when a domestic relationship is involved.
If a protective order is entered against you, it can force you from your home, restrict contact with your children, and require firearm surrender. Representation at your hearing is critical — the burden of proof is lower than in criminal court.
Peace orders — similar to protective orders but available between parties without a domestic relationship — carry similar consequences including contact restrictions and potential criminal charges for violations.
Being accused of violating a protective or peace order is a separate criminal offense that can result in immediate arrest, jail, and additional charges on top of your underlying case. Fast legal response is essential.
Harassment and stalking charges are frequently filed alongside domestic violence allegations. These charges can be built on electronic communication records, social media activity, or testimony from witnesses.
Child abuse and neglect allegations arising out of a domestic situation trigger both criminal prosecution and child protective services involvement, putting your custody rights and parental relationship at immediate risk.
We listen to your full story first — then we investigate. That means reviewing police reports, 911 recordings, medical records, and any electronic communications. Details that seem minor can be critical to a successful defense.
Witnesses are interviewed early, before their recollections are shaped by prosecutors. We challenge the prosecution's evidence using the facts and the law — including the credibility and consistency of the alleged victim's account.
Many attorneys only handle the criminal side. A domestic violence charge often runs on two tracks simultaneously — criminal charges and civil protective order proceedings. Allan defends you in both courts, protecting your complete picture.
Some attorneys move too quickly toward a plea agreement. Allan Rombro takes the time to build a strong, persuasive case before considering any resolution — because a conviction in a domestic violence case can define your life for decades.
A domestic violence conviction doesn't just put you in legal jeopardy — it can cost you custody and visitation rights. Your criminal defense directly impacts your family law situation, and Allan factors that in from the start.
You will work directly with Allan Rombro throughout the entire legal process.
An arrest can occur based on the alleged victim's complaint alone — even without physical evidence. A charging document is filed and bail conditions are set, which may include no-contact orders.
A civil hearing may occur within days of the arrest. If a temporary protective order has been issued, a full hearing is typically scheduled within 7 days. Representation at this hearing is critical — the standard is lower than criminal court.
The criminal case moves through initial hearings, potential preliminary hearings for felonies, and ultimately to trial or resolution. Baltimore City's dedicated domestic violence court has its own prosecutors who handle these cases exclusively.
Many cases are resolved through negotiation with prosecutors after thorough preparation. When the facts support it, Allan takes cases to trial — having represented hundreds of clients in Baltimore's courts over 35+ years.
The alleged victim cannot drop the charges. In Maryland, once the state files criminal charges, only the prosecutor has the authority to dismiss them. Even if the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the case can and often does proceed.
Assault charges automatically escalate in domestic contexts. If the parties share a domestic relationship — current or former spouses, intimate partners, family members — the case is treated differently by prosecutors and courts, with dedicated resources and more aggressive pursuit of conviction.
Have a question not answered here? Email us for a free, confidential consultation — available 24/7.
Violating a protective or peace order in Maryland is a separate criminal offense that can result in up to 90 days in jail for a first violation and up to one year for subsequent violations. If the violation involves an assault or threat, the penalties are significantly more severe. Contact an attorney immediately if you are accused of a violation.
Yes. Under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment), a domestic violence conviction — even a misdemeanor — triggers a lifetime prohibition on owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Additionally, if you are subject to a protective order you may be required to surrender all firearms you currently own, even before any conviction.
Yes, directly. A domestic violence charge or conviction can significantly impact child custody and visitation in family court proceedings. Maryland courts consider domestic violence when determining custody arrangements. Protecting your criminal record is essential to protecting your parental rights — both matters often proceed simultaneously.
Expungement eligibility depends on the specific charges and their outcome. Some domestic-related charges that are dismissed or result in acquittal may be eligible for expungement. Convictions are generally much harder to expunge. Allan Rombro can review your situation and advise on eligibility in a free consultation.
The sooner you act, the stronger your defense. Free consultation, available 24/7.
Speak directly with Allan Rombro. Available 24 hours.
🔒 Confidential & no obligation. Your information is never shared.