{"id":373832,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-29T11:13:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:13:35","slug":"maryland-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Maryland Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It’s safe to say that nobody wants to be the victim of any abusive crime. It’s even worse if the person committing the crime is someone you trust. That betrayal is part of the horror associated with domestic violence offenses<\/a>. Maryland law attempts to protect victims and keep their abusers away from them.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing which protections are available for victims of domestic violence in Maryland is a challenge. This article explains domestic abuse under Maryland law, shows you what protections and programs are available<\/a>, and maps out how to navigate the Maryland courts for domestic violence cases. Read on for a better understanding of domestic violence laws in Maryland.<\/p>\r\n

Maryland Domestic Violence Laws: How They Work<\/h2>\r\n

Every state has criminal laws to prohibit violent crime and hold those who commit it accountable. In Maryland, crimes against the person include murder, kidnapping, first-degree and second-degree assault, rape, and other sexual offenses. These crimes carry tough penalties, including sentences to jail or prison.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike some states, Maryland does not provide a stand-alone criminal offense of domestic violence. Instead, the domestic nature of a violent crime may become a focus at the filing of criminal charges, at trial, or during sentencing.<\/p>\r\n

Maryland also protects victims in their civil laws. This includes laws that permit victims of abuse to seek protective orders.<\/p>\r\n

To gain a better comprehension of what domestic violence is under Maryland law, having a working definition will help. Domestic violence occurs when at least one specified abusive crime is committed between people sharing a qualifying relationship. Let’s take a look at each required element.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic Violence in Maryland: The Individuals Involved<\/h3>\r\n

With most crimes, the state has less concern with the parties’ relationship. The focus rests on the actor’s conduct and their intent. The state must prove these elements to get a conviction. In Maryland, evidence of domestic abuse follows a similar path. However, it must also include a domestic relationship. Under Maryland law, acts of domestic violence occur between family members, household members, and people in intimate relationships<\/a>. This includes:<\/p>\r\n