Rockville Domestic Violence Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 614 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Charlie Novoa 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esteban Gergely and his whole team are the best in the game hands down. His knowledge of the law, dedication to his clients and passion to win are simply unmatched. His staff are all super friendly, quick and thorough. Kelly was amazing through the whole process, the communication was above and beyond. Glenda is also someone I’ve worked with and she was nothing but pleasant as well. This team will give you a sense of confront regardless on the situation. When i first approached Esteban i was a mess but his first words were “relax, go on about your life as you normally would, leave the stresses of the case up to me, i got you” and he delivered. Not only did i have peace of mind the whole time but even if we hit any obstacles he overcame each one. Hired him on multiple occasions and will continue to do so if ever needed.
  
 
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   Wotzbeli Lopez 
 August 27, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
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   Dawn Wong 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC. From the very beginning, I felt that I was in capable, caring, and dedicated hands. Everyone at the firm was professional, compassionate, responsive, and genuinely invested in my case.

David Krum went above and beyond to advocate for me and guide me through an incredibly difficult and emotional process. His knowledge, dedication, and persistence gave me confidence when I needed it most. I always felt that my best interests were truly his priority.

I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of the entire team and for the outcome they helped me achieve. After everything I went through, having an exceptional legal team in my corner made all the difference.

I highly recommend Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC to anyone looking for attorneys who are knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate, and truly committed to their clients.
  
 
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   Maikol Vicente 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
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   Vensh Kataria 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with my lawyer David Krum and would highly recommend him. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. He took the time to explain every step of my case clearly, kept me informed throughout the entire process.

What I appreciated most was how confident and reassured I felt having him represent me. He was responsive, thorough, and genuinely seemed to care about achieving the best possible outcome for my case. His guidance made what could have been a very stressful experience feel much more manageable.

I’m extremely grateful for his hard work, dedication, and support.
  
 
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   keilyn miranda 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m truly grateful for everything this law office did throughout the case. From the beginning, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. They took the time to explain things, answered every question, and kept us informed throughout the process. You could tell they really cared about helping and doing their best for their client. We felt supported and confident having them on our side. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about their clients!
  
 
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   Levi Raymundo 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Primera mente agradecido con Dios y después con mi abogado  xq  me ademostrado con echos   xq e ganado mi caso  con el  selos recomiendo  a cualquier persona   gracias abogado   x todo solo agradezco  de todo corazón Dios me lo vendiga
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Brooke 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with the team at KGO. They made sure to keep an open line of communication and made sure I was informed about my case at every step of the way. Esteban was very reassuring and professional and ensured the best possible outcome when representing me in court. Truly a wonderful team!

A domestic violence accusation in Rockville can upend your life almost immediately. Beyond the criminal charge itself, you may be facing a protective order that removes you from your home, separates you from your children, and requires you to surrender your firearms, all before you have had a chance to tell your side of the story. If you have been accused of domestic violence in Rockville or anywhere in Montgomery County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands both the criminal case and the protective order process. At Krum, Gergely & Oates, our Rockville office is minutes from the Montgomery County courts, and we are ready to defend you.

How Maryland Treats Domestic Violence

Maryland does not have a single crime called “domestic violence.” Instead, it treats certain offenses as domestic in nature when they occur between people in a defined relationship, such as spouses, former spouses, people who share a child, people who live together, or people in a dating relationship. The underlying charge is often assault, but the domestic context adds consequences that a standard assault case does not carry.

The most common underlying charge is second-degree assault under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-203, a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. When serious injury or a weapon is involved, the charge can be elevated to first degree assault, a felony carrying up to 25 years.

What makes domestic violence cases distinct is that they proceed on two separate tracks at the same time: the criminal case and the civil protective order case. These are handled separately and can have very different timelines and outcomes.

Protective Orders in Montgomery County

If you are accused of domestic violence, the alleged victim can petition for a protective order against you. Maryland has three stages:

Interim protective order: Issued by a District Court commissioner when the court is closed, this is a short-term order that lasts until a judge can hold a hearing.
Temporary protective order: Issued by a judge, typically lasting up to seven days, until a final protective order hearing can be held.
Final protective order: Issued after a full hearing where both sides can present evidence. A final protective order can last up to one year and can be extended. It can require you to stay away from the alleged victim, vacate a shared home, surrender your firearms, and give up custody of children temporarily.

The final protective order hearing is critical. This is where having an attorney matters most, because the outcome can affect your housing, your parental rights, and your firearm ownership for a year or more. Our attorneys represent clients at these hearings and work to protect their rights at every stage.

Where Your Rockville Domestic Violence Case Will Be Heard

Because Rockville is the county seat, domestic violence cases from Rockville are heard at the Montgomery County courts in the city.

The criminal charge is typically handled at the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, or at the Montgomery County Circuit Court at 50 Maryland Avenue for felony charges or jury trials. Protective order hearings are also handled at these courts. Our office is minutes from both, and we appear in them regularly.

The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

A domestic violence conviction in Maryland carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom:

Firearm restrictions: A domestic violence conviction, and in many cases a final protective order, prohibits you from possessing firearms under both Maryland and federal law.
Custody and parental rights: A domestic violence finding can significantly affect custody and visitation determinations in a divorce or custody case.
Housing: A protective order can require you to leave a shared residence immediately, even if the home is in your name.
Employment and licensing: A conviction appears on background checks and can affect current employment, future job prospects, and professional licenses.
Immigration: For non-citizens, a domestic violence conviction can carry severe immigration consequences, including deportation.

Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence cases are often more complicated than they first appear. Common defenses our attorneys raise include:

False or exaggerated allegations: Domestic violence accusations sometimes arise in the context of divorce, custody disputes, or personal conflicts, where one party has a motive to exaggerate or fabricate.
Self-defense: If you were defending yourself from the other person, Maryland law permits the use of reasonable, proportionate force.
Lack of evidence: Many cases rest on one person’s account with no independent witnesses or physical evidence. The prosecution must still prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Conflicting accounts: When both parties give different versions of events, an experienced attorney can highlight inconsistencies that create reasonable doubt.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Domestic Violence in Rockville

Comply with any protective order: Even if you believe the order is unfair, violating it is a separate crime that will seriously damage your case. Follow it exactly and let your attorney challenge it through the proper process.

Do not contact the alleged victim: Any contact, even indirect contact through friends or family, can result in additional charges and a protective order violation.

Remain silent with law enforcement: Do not try to explain your side to police without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you.

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately: The protective order timeline moves quickly, and you want representation in place before the final protective order hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a domestic violence charge and a protective order in Maryland?

The criminal charge is a separate matter prosecuted by the State, and it can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. A protective order is a civil order that restricts your contact with the alleged victim and can affect your housing, custody, and firearm rights. The two proceed on separate tracks and can have different outcomes.

Can a domestic violence charge be dropped if the alleged victim recants?

Not necessarily. The decision to prosecute belongs to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, not the alleged victim. Prosecutors can and often do proceed even when the alleged victim wants to drop the charges, though an uncooperative witness can make the case harder to prove.

Will I lose my right to own a firearm?

A domestic violence conviction, and in many cases a final protective order, prohibits firearm possession under both Maryland and federal law. This is one of the most significant and often overlooked consequences of a domestic violence case.

How long does a protective order last in Maryland?

An interim order lasts until a judge can hold a hearing, a temporary order typically lasts up to seven days, and a final protective order can last up to one year and may be extended. The final order is issued only after a hearing where both sides can present evidence.

Can a domestic violence charge affect my custody case?

Yes. A domestic violence finding can significantly affect custody and visitation determinations. If you are involved in a divorce or custody dispute, it is critical to have an attorney who understands how the criminal case, the protective order, and the custody matter interact.

Accused of Domestic Violence in Rockville? Call KGO.

Domestic violence cases move quickly, and the stakes are high, affecting your freedom, your home, your children, and your rights. Our attorneys are based right here in Rockville, minutes from the Montgomery County courts, and we are ready to defend you on both the criminal charge and the protective order. See also our Rockville Criminal Lawyer and Maryland Domestic Violence pages for more information. Call (301) 840-0080 for a free consultation.