The DVC Legal Department assists victims of domestic violence in a number of ways. DVC attorneys and legal staff work with clients who have been abused by an intimate partner or who have been the victim of stalking by an intimate partner.
Legal staff is available by phone or appointment:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call 410-997-0304 for more information.
Most of DVC’s legal services are free and can include:
- Information and referrals to appropriate resources in the community
- Assistance with the completion of a Petition for Protective Order or a Petition for a Peace Order
- Volunteer Legal Court Advocates available at the District Court of Howard County daily to provide information and referrals to victims filing Petitions for Protection
- Safety planning (Sample Safety Plan)
- Representation in Temporary and/or Final Protective Order in the District Court and Circuit Court of Howard County or certain Peace Order hearings
- Assistance with and representation in modification proceedings to change the terms of a Final Protective Order or Peace Order
- Assistance with and representation (where appropriate) in contempt or other proceedings to enforce a Final Protective Order or Peace Order
- Assistance with and representation in appeals from Final Protection Order or Peace Order hearings held in the District Court for Howard County
- Accompaniment to the Commissioner’s Office or the State’s Attorney’s Office to file criminal charges
- Accompaniment in criminal proceedings and assistance through the criminal process
- Divorce, custody and child support consultations*
- Referrals to other legal services providers, pro bono attorneys and attorneys willing to accept reduced fees for family law or criminal law matters
*On a very limited basis, the DVC may provide direct representation in family law matters. Those services may be free or the DVC may charge clients based on a sliding scale.
