Baltimore Domestic Violence Lawyer

Baltimore City is one of the few jurisdictions in Maryland that has separate domestic violence dockets and a special unit of prosecutors who only handle DV cases. These cases are heard at the North Avenue courthouse, which is about ten minutes from downtown Baltimore. On any given day there could be upwards of 30 DV cases that are scheduled for trial. The most common charge is second degree assault, but malicious destruction of property, theft, burglary, dangerous weapon with intent to injure and violation of a protective order are also crimes that can be added on the make the case seem more serious. If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime it is extremely important to retain an attorney who is familiar with the judicial process at the North Avenue courthouse. Benjamin Herbst is a Baltimore domestic violence lawyer who specializes in defending assault charges. He has successfully handled upwards of 100 DV cases at the North Avenue courthouse alone, and several hundred more in various other Maryland jurisdictions. Benjamin’s two main priorities are keeping his clients out of jail and keeping their records clean. Nobody should suffer the consequences of false or exaggerated charges, but too often in Baltimore City this is exactly what happens. Benjamin fights for dismissals in all of his DV cases, and never backs down from a trial if that is the best option. He was won numerous court and jury trials for domestic crimes such as first and second-degree assault, destruction of property and violation of protective order and is standing by to offer a free consultation at 410-207-2598.

The Baltimore Police Department operates under a preferred arrest policy, which dictates that officers should make an arrest if they feel there is probable cause. Probable cause is a low bar, and that means that far too many individuals are arrested on charges with questionable evidence. In addition, District Court Commissioners in Baltimore City are far too quick to issue arrest warrants for domestic violence accusations. Commissioners are not required to check the truth or credibility of civilian statement of charges. Rather, they routinely rubber stamp charging documents and issue arrest warrants with little or no proof that the incident actually occurred. In some cases, Benjamin may be able to intervene and fight to have the arrest warrant recalled, so do not wait if you feel someone may charge you with a domestic violence offense.

While the police and commissioners will often charge a person without giving the matter much thought, Benjamin will make sure the State and the Judge do not rush to convict. Proof beyond all reasonable doubt requires that the state bring actual evidence to court, and Benjamin is experienced in exposing the bias of testifying witnesses on cross examination. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense and have a case pending in North Avenue contact Baltimore City assault lawyer Benjamin Herbst to find out what defenses may be available in your case. He has won cases by arguing self-defense, lack of evidence, and uncredible witness testimony and is standing by to do the same in your case. Benjamin has represented nurses, doctors, lawyers, law enforcement officers and government employees with security clearances who cannot afford a conviction for any type of offense. He has also represented college students and other young adults who absolutely need a clean record in order to pursue the career of their choice.

Benjamin takes each case seriously and understands who important the outcome is for each of his clients. All clients have cell phone access to Benjamin on nights and weekends, and he always keeps his clients informed of the case progress. He can also assist in filing an application to expunge your case, so that it may not be accessible by future employers or schools. If you have a criminal case coming up in North Avenue, Towson, Ocean City, Rockville or any other Maryland jurisdiction contact a Baltimore domestic violence lawyer to start protecting your future.