Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving New York, Washington, D.C. & Maryland

Experienced Representation in Domestic Violence, Protective Order, and Family Law Matters

Domestic violence allegations can immediately affect your safety, your home, your children, and your legal rights.

If you are experiencing abuse, obtaining court protection may be essential. If you have been accused of domestic violence, a protective order can impose serious restrictions involving contact, residence, parenting time, and other aspects of your daily life.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz, I represent clients in domestic violence and related family law matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I have more than 25 years of legal experience and have handled domestic violence, divorce, custody, child support, and other contested family law cases throughout my career. My broader civil and criminal litigation experience gives me a strong foundation for cases involving disputed allegations, testimony, documentary evidence, and emergency court proceedings.

Whether you are seeking protection or responding to allegations made against you, I work directly with you to understand the facts, explain the legal process, and develop a strategy appropriate to your situation.

If you are facing a domestic violence or protective order matter, schedule a confidential consultation with me.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local emergency services.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can involve much more than physical assault.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, domestic violence proceedings may involve allegations of:

• Physical violence
• Threats of violence
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Sexual abuse
• Intimidation
• False imprisonment
• Destruction of property
• Repeated unwanted contact
• Other conduct that places a person in fear for their safety

The relationship between the people involved is also important.

Domestic violence laws frequently apply to individuals who are or were:

• Married
• Dating
• Living together
• In an intimate relationship
• Parents of the same child
• Related by blood or marriage
• Members of the same household

The exact definitions and procedures differ significantly between New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection

One of the primary legal tools available in a domestic violence case is a court order restricting another person’s conduct.

Depending on the jurisdiction, these orders may be called:

• Orders of protection
• Temporary orders of protection
• Civil protection orders
• Protective orders
• Restraining orders
• Stay-away orders

An order may impose restrictions such as:

• No contact with another person
• Staying away from a home
• Staying away from a workplace or school
• Moving out of a shared residence
• Restrictions on communication
• Restrictions involving firearms
• Temporary custody provisions
• Parenting time restrictions
• Other conditions designed to address safety concerns

Because an order can affect many areas of a person’s life, both the person seeking protection and the person responding to the request should understand exactly what the court is being asked to order.

I can help you understand the requested restrictions and the potential consequences of an order in your case.

Seeking Protection From Domestic Violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence, legal action may provide important protection for you and your children.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, you may be able to ask the court for an emergency or temporary order before a full hearing occurs.

A court may be able to order the other person to:

• Stop contacting you
• Stay away from you
• Leave a shared residence
• Stay away from your workplace
• Stay away from your child’s school
• Follow temporary custody arrangements
• Avoid threatening or harassing you
• Surrender firearms when required by law

I can help you understand which court has jurisdiction, what relief may be available, and what evidence may be important when seeking protection.

Responding to Domestic Violence Allegations

Being accused of domestic violence can have serious consequences even before a court makes a final determination.

A temporary order may immediately restrict:

• Where you can live
• Who you can contact
• Whether you may return to your home
• When you can see your children
• How you communicate with the other parent
• Whether you may possess firearms
• Other aspects of your daily life

If an order has been entered against you, follow it carefully.

Even if you disagree with the allegations or believe the order is unfair, violating a court order can create additional legal problems.

I represent individuals responding to domestic violence allegations and help clients prepare for hearings, present evidence, and address the family law consequences of the allegations.

Domestic Violence and Divorce

Domestic violence can significantly affect a divorce.

Issues may arise concerning:

• Who remains in the marital home
• Communication between spouses
• Temporary custody
• Parenting time
• Protective orders
• Financial support
• Negotiations
• Exchange of children
• Litigation strategy

A case involving domestic violence should not necessarily be handled in the same manner as an ordinary divorce.

For example, direct negotiation between spouses may not be appropriate when there is a history of violence, intimidation, or coercive conduct.

I evaluate domestic violence issues as part of the broader divorce strategy and help clients determine how to proceed safely and effectively.

Learn more about Divorce & Matrimonial Law.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody

Domestic violence can be an important issue in a child custody proceeding.

Courts evaluating custody generally focus on the best interests of the child, and evidence of domestic violence may affect decisions involving:

• Legal custody
• Physical custody
• Parenting time
• Supervised visitation
• Child exchanges
• Communication between parents
• Decision-making authority

A court may need to consider whether domestic violence occurred, whether the child witnessed it and whether particular parenting arrangements create safety concerns.

At the same time, allegations of domestic violence can become highly contested.

I represent parents on both sides of these disputes and work to ensure that evidence is carefully presented and evaluated.

Learn more about Child Custody.

Domestic Violence and Visitation

A domestic violence case can also affect a parent’s visitation or parenting time.

Depending on the circumstances, a court may consider:

• Supervised visitation
• Neutral exchange locations
• Third-party exchanges
• Restrictions on communication
• Specific pick-up and drop-off procedures
• Temporary suspension of parenting time
• Other protective conditions

These restrictions can immediately affect the parent-child relationship.

I represent parents seeking appropriate safety protections as well as parents opposing restrictions they believe are unnecessary or unsupported by the evidence.

Learn more about Visitation & Parenting Time.

Emergency Domestic Violence Orders

Domestic violence cases often move quickly.

A person seeking protection may be able to request temporary relief before the other party has had an opportunity to participate fully in the proceeding.

Emergency or temporary orders may address immediate safety concerns until the court can hold a hearing.

Because these proceedings can happen quickly, both parties should take them seriously.

If you have received notice of an emergency domestic violence proceeding or have been served with a temporary protective order, review every condition carefully and obtain legal advice as soon as possible.

I can help you understand the order, prepare for the hearing, and address the issues raised by the petition.

Violations of Protective Orders

A protective order is a court order and must be followed.

Potential violations may include:

• Calling or messaging the protected person
• Appearing at a prohibited location
• Entering a residence
• Sending messages through another person
• Contacting someone through social media
• Failing to follow custody or visitation restrictions
• Other prohibited conduct

The exact terms of the order control.

Do not assume that contact is permitted simply because the other person initiates it.

If you are subject to an order, understanding the restrictions is critical.

If you are protected by an order and believe it has been violated, legal remedies may be available. I can help you evaluate your options.

Evidence in a Domestic Violence Case

Domestic violence proceedings often involve conflicting versions of events.

Evidence can therefore become extremely important.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include:

• Text messages
• Emails
• Voicemails
• Photographs
• Videos
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness testimony
• Social media posts
• Prior court orders
• Call records
• Records of previous incidents

Do not alter, delete, or manufacture evidence.

Preserve materials that may be relevant to the case and provide them to me for review.

My litigation experience is particularly valuable in cases where credibility and evidence are heavily disputed.

False or Exaggerated Domestic Violence Allegations

Courts should take legitimate domestic violence allegations seriously.

At the same time, allegations must be supported by evidence and evaluated through the appropriate legal process.

In some highly contentious divorce or custody cases, one parent may believe that allegations have been exaggerated, mischaracterized, or made for strategic advantage.

A domestic violence proceeding may affect:

• Custody
• Visitation
• Residence
• Communication
• Divorce negotiations
• Reputation
• Employment
• Other legal proceedings

If you believe false or inaccurate allegations have been made against you, the appropriate response is through the legal process.

Do not retaliate, confront the other party in violation of an order, or attempt to resolve the matter in a way that could create additional legal problems.

I can help you organize evidence and present your position to the court.

Domestic Violence Involving Children

Children can be affected by domestic violence even when they are not the direct target of the alleged conduct.

A case may involve allegations that a child:

• Witnessed violence
• Heard threats
• Was present during an altercation
• Was directly threatened
• Was physically harmed
• Was used to communicate between parents

These circumstances can significantly affect custody and parenting time.

Courts may need to consider what arrangement best protects the child’s welfare while determining each parent’s role moving forward.

I can help you address the custody and parenting issues that arise when children are involved in a domestic violence matter.

Domestic Violence and the Marital Home

A protective order can sometimes affect who remains in a shared home.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, a court may order one person to leave the residence or stay away from the property.

This issue can become particularly complicated when:

• Both spouses own the home
• Both names appear on the lease
• Children reside there
• A divorce is already pending
• Significant property remains inside the residence

An order restricting access to a home should be taken seriously even if you own the property.

I can help you understand how a protective order interacts with broader divorce or property issues.

Protective Orders and Firearms

Domestic violence orders may also affect firearm possession.

The exact consequences depend on the jurisdiction, type of order, and circumstances of the case.

Because firearm restrictions may arise under both state and federal law, anyone subject to a domestic violence order should carefully follow the court’s instructions and obtain legal advice regarding compliance.

A firearm violation can create serious additional consequences.

I can help you understand the restrictions that may apply and the steps necessary to comply with the order.

Can a Domestic Violence Case Affect a Criminal Case?

Yes.

Some allegations of domestic violence can result in both family or civil proceedings and criminal charges.

The same underlying incident might lead to:

• A protective order proceeding
• A criminal investigation
• Criminal charges
• Custody litigation
• Divorce proceedings

Statements or evidence developed in one case may also affect another proceeding.

My background includes both family law and criminal litigation, which gives me perspective on how multiple proceedings can overlap.

If criminal charges are involved, the strategy should account for those proceedings before statements are made or testimony is given.

Domestic Violence Lawyer in New York

I have been licensed to practice law in New York since 2007 and represent clients in New York domestic violence and family offense matters.

New York Family Court allows qualifying individuals to file a family offense petition seeking an order of protection.

New York courts explain that an order of protection can impose conditions including:

• Staying away from another person
• No contact
• Moving out of a home
• Following custody orders
• Paying child support
• Surrendering firearms when ordered

Domestic violence matters may involve Family Court, Criminal Court, or, in connection with divorce proceedings, Supreme Court, depending on the circumstances.

I represent New York clients seeking orders of protection as well as individuals responding to family offense allegations.

I also handle related divorce, custody, and visitation matters when domestic violence affects the broader family law case.

New York Office
1 Liberty Street
Suite 2327
New York, NY 10006

917-791-4157

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

I have been licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia since 2001 and represent clients in domestic violence matters in Washington, D.C.

The Domestic Violence Division of D.C. Superior Court handles matters involving abuse, threats and stalking.

D.C. Courts currently provide several types of protective proceedings, including:

• Civil Protection Orders
• Anti-Stalking Orders
• Certain emergency and temporary protective relief

Civil Protection Orders may be available in cases involving qualifying relationships such as:

• Spouses and former spouses
• Family members
• People who share a child
• People who live together
• Individuals in dating or romantic relationships
• Certain other qualifying relationships

A Civil Protection Order can impose stay-away and no-contact restrictions and may also address related family circumstances.

I represent both individuals seeking protection and individuals responding to Civil Protection Order petitions in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Office
700 12th Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005

202-972-2701

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Maryland

I have been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1999 and represent clients in domestic violence protective order proceedings throughout Maryland.

Maryland uses the term protective order for court orders involving domestic violence between qualifying family, household or intimate partners.

Maryland Courts identifies qualifying relationships that can include:

• Current or former spouses
• Certain relatives
• People who share a child
• Certain people who have lived together in an intimate relationship
• Certain current or former sexual partners
• Vulnerable adults
• Certain victims of sexual assault

Maryland law recognizes acts of abuse that can include assault, conduct causing fear of imminent serious bodily harm, serious bodily harm, certain sexual offenses, stalking, and false imprisonment.

When a relationship does not qualify for a domestic violence protective order, a peace order may be another available form of court protection depending on the circumstances.

I represent Maryland clients seeking protective orders, as well as individuals served with protective order petitions.

Domestic Violence Cases Across State Lines

Domestic violence and family law matters can become more complicated when the people involved live in different jurisdictions.

For example:

• One parent lives in Washington, D.C., and the other lives in Maryland.
• A protective order was issued in one state while a custody case is pending in another.
• A spouse relocates to New York after an incident.
• Children travel between jurisdictions under an existing parenting schedule.

Questions may arise concerning:

• Which court can issue protection
• Which court has custody jurisdiction
• Enforcement of out-of-state orders
• Modification of parenting arrangements
• Emergency custody
• Divorce jurisdiction

My admission to practice in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland can be particularly valuable when domestic violence and family law proceedings cross jurisdictional boundaries.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Protective Order?

If a protective order or temporary order has been entered against you:

1. Read every provision carefully.
2. Comply with the order immediately.
3. Do not contact the protected person unless the order clearly permits it.
4. Do not rely on the other person’s invitation to violate the order.
5. Preserve relevant evidence.
6. Note the date and location of the next hearing.
7. Speak with an attorney promptly.

Ignoring an order because you believe the allegations are false can make your legal situation significantly worse.

The proper place to challenge the allegations or requested restrictions is through the court process.

I can help you review the order, prepare for the hearing, and respond to the allegations.

What Should I Do If I Need Protection?

If you believe you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.

If there is no immediate emergency but you believe court protection is necessary:

• Preserve relevant communications and evidence
• Record important dates and incidents
• Keep copies of police or medical records you lawfully possess
• Consider contacting a domestic violence advocacy organization
• Speak with an attorney about your legal options
• Avoid confronting the other person in a way that could increase danger

I can explain what type of protective order may be available and how the process works in your jurisdiction.

Why Choose Me for a Domestic Violence Matter?

More Than 25 Years of Legal Experience

I have practiced law since 1999 and have handled domestic violence, divorce, custody, child support, and other family law cases throughout my career.

Licensed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland

I have been licensed in:

• Maryland since 1999
• Washington, D.C. since 2001
• New York since 2007

My multijurisdictional experience is especially useful when domestic violence, custody, or protective order issues cross state lines.

Extensive Courtroom Experience

Domestic violence cases frequently involve emergency hearings, disputed testimony, and difficult credibility questions.

My litigation background includes matrimonial, family, civil and criminal matters, giving me extensive experience handling contested court proceedings.

Experience With Related Custody and Divorce Issues

Domestic violence does not occur in isolation from the rest of family law.

An order of protection can directly affect divorce, custody, visitation, and the marital home.

I can address these overlapping issues as part of a broader family law strategy.

Representation for Petitioners and Respondents

I represent individuals seeking court protection as well as those responding to domestic violence allegations.

Each case requires careful attention to the evidence, applicable law, and consequences of the requested order.

Direct Attorney Involvement

Clients work directly with me.

I review the facts, explain the court process, and prepare a strategy based on the client’s specific circumstances rather than treating every domestic violence case the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Cases

What does a domestic violence lawyer do?

I can represent a person seeking protection or someone responding to allegations. Representation may involve protective orders, hearings, evidence, custody issues, divorce proceedings, and enforcement or alleged violations of existing orders.

What is an order of protection?

An order of protection is a court order restricting certain conduct by another person. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may require the person to stay away, avoid contact, leave a residence, or comply with other conditions.

Can I get an emergency protective order?

Potentially. New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland each have procedures that may provide temporary or emergency relief in qualifying circumstances.

Can a protective order make someone leave the home?

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, a court may have authority to require a person to stay away from or leave a shared residence.

Can domestic violence affect child custody?

Yes. Courts can consider domestic violence and safety concerns when determining custody and parenting arrangements.

Can visitation be supervised because of domestic violence?

Yes. A court may order supervised visitation or other protective parenting arrangements when appropriate.

Can a protective order prevent me from seeing my children?

It can affect parenting time depending on the language of the order. Anyone subject to an order should read it carefully and comply with all custody and contact provisions.

What happens if someone violates a protective order?

A violation can result in serious legal consequences, potentially including arrest, contempt proceedings, or criminal charges depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

What if the other person contacts me first?

If you are subject to a protective order, you must follow it regardless of who initiates contact. Do not assume that the protected person’s consent overrides a court order.

Can domestic violence allegations affect my divorce?

Yes. Domestic violence can affect custody, parenting time, use of the marital home, communication between spouses and other aspects of divorce proceedings.

What evidence should I preserve?

Potentially relevant evidence can include text messages, emails, photographs, videos, voicemails, medical records, police reports, and witness information. Do not alter or fabricate evidence.

What if I was falsely accused of domestic violence?

You have the right to respond to allegations through the legal process. Follow any temporary order while it is in effect, preserve relevant evidence, and speak with an attorney about preparing for the hearing.

Can a domestic violence case also become a criminal case?

Yes. The same alleged conduct may result in both a protective order proceeding and criminal charges.

What is the difference between a Maryland protective order and peace order?

A protective order generally applies to certain family, household, and intimate relationships. A peace order may be available when the relationship does not qualify for a protective order, depending on the circumstances.

What is a Civil Protection Order in Washington, D.C.?

A Civil Protection Order is a D.C. court order that can restrict contact or require someone to stay away in qualifying domestic violence situations.

What is a family offense proceeding in New York?

A family offense proceeding is a New York Family Court case in which a qualifying person alleges certain acts of domestic violence and asks the court for an order of protection.

Do I handle domestic violence cases in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland?

Yes. I represent clients in domestic violence and related family law matters in all three jurisdictions. I have been licensed in Maryland since 1999, Washington, D.C. since 2001, and New York since 2007.

Speak With Me About Your Domestic Violence Matter

Domestic violence proceedings can move quickly and can affect your home, your children, and your legal rights.

Whether you need protection from abuse or have been served with a protective order, getting legal advice early can help you understand the court process and avoid decisions that could make your situation more difficult.

I represent clients in domestic violence matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I work directly with clients in protective order proceedings and related divorce, custody, and visitation matters, providing experienced representation when the stakes are especially high.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Washington, D.C. & Maryland: 202-972-2701
New York: 917-791-4157

Contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz today to discuss your domestic violence or protective order matter.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.