LEGAL OPTIONS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Civil options : Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence: This is an emergency civil petition, which should be filed as soon as possible after the abuse. Abuse an act that causes serious bodily harm, places another in fear of imminent serious bodily harm, assault, rape, false imprisonment, or abuse of a child. Protective Order can:

• - temporarily remove the offender from the home
• - order the offender to stop the abuse
• - restrain abuser from contacting petitioner or other family members
• - give temporary custody of minor children
• - award emergency family maintenance
• - award temporary use of jointly owned vehicle
• - counseling for one or both parties

To file a petition for protection appear before the Civil Clerk Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at:

• District Court: 27 Courthouse Sq. Rockville, MD 20852
  (301) 279-1500 Has a specialized domestic violence office which assists petitioners in filling out the Ex Parte Petition.
• District Court:8552 2nd Ave, Silver Spring
  (301) 563-8500

After courthouse hours or on weekends, petitions can be requested from a commissioner at 8552, 2nd Ave. or at 1307 seven Locks Rd., Rockville.

The petition will be heard by a judge or commissioner the same day and served by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department (240) 777-7000

Criminal Complaint Options:

Criminal Charges: Assault means threatening to use force with the apparent ability to carry it out or the unwanted, non-consensual touching of another. Additional charges Stalking, sexual assault, marital rape, criminal harassment, telephone misuse, trespassing, and destruction of property. If an arrest was not made by the responding officer at the scene of the assault, criminal charges may be filed by the victim. To file Criminal Charges appear before:
A District Court Commissioner at the Rockville District Police Station, Seven Locks Rd. Rockville, MD 20852. (301) 610-7217. Available 24-hours a day.

VICTIM INFORMATION AND SERVICES

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS

POLICE HOME PAGE