Category: Domestic Violence Cases in Court

Domestic violence cases in the court system need to be observed regularly to keep the system working properly to protect the victims. Court Watch Montgomery volunteers work tirelessly to collect data in hundreds of hearings to make sure Maryland judges are held accountable and victims get the help they need from advocates in the courthouse. Court Watch reports are submitted to show the need for change and to keep the problem of domestic violence in the forefront with the general public, elected officials, press and court staff.

This news category shares stories from court regarding the judges, other court employees, the outcome of Montgomery County domestic violence cases and more. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the work we do to help reduce intimate partner violence.

Kudos to the judge

Kudos to the judge at District Court who recently: Okayed a respondent’s request to go put money in his parking meter, saying, “Sure. I don’t want you to get a ticket. That’s $40.” In a separate case, expressed concern at the beginning of a hearing that the respondent had been speaking with the petitioner prior […]

Updates from protective order court, #1

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Troublesome bond hearing in alleged child molestation case

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Maryland Circuit Court judge’s verdict not in “the best interest of the child”

Circuit Court Judge Joan Ryon recently delivered a shocking decision in a Montgomery County custody case that appears to ignore credible evidence of physical and sexual child abuse and domestic violence. This case is receiving national attention due to the irregularities in the military’s handling of the original abuse case and ex parte communications between […]

Judge fails to set hearings on needed protective order extensions

Are domestic violence victims in Maryland able to get protective order extensions when they can show a court that they have “good cause?” Under Maryland law, if a petitioner has “good cause” for their request a judge can, and should, extend the order for six months to provide continued protection. Generally, Montgomery County District Court […]

Disappearing final protective orders

It’s not easy to make the transition from domestic violence victim to survivor. A disappearing final protective order doesn’t help. In fact, it can be incredibly dangerous. After a final protective order has been granted the judge describes what kinds of behaviors the order restricts and what services or remedies it requires. Both parties receive […]

Are judges using simple practices that protect victims?

Are judges using basic, fundamental practices in domestic violence courtrooms? Simple practices that improve case outcomes for victims? Only 53% of the time, finds our new study. Many simple, no-cost practices, that are very important for victim safety, just aren’t being used by judges. Like a surgeon washing their hands prior to surgery, these practices […]

Who files protective orders in Maryland? Do they get protection?

Who is filing protective orders in Montgomery County Maryland? How many residents actually get lasting protection? Court Watch’s new report, “A closer look at protective orders in Montgomery County,” shows that only about 37% of victims who requested protection from the court received a final protective order that provided “no contact” for one year. Not […]

Community tour for new judges

Violence doesn’t stop judge from giving father “tie-breaking vote” on child

When domestic violence survivors seek a divorce, they often run head long into a host of problems that result in an increased risk of violence for them and their children. Maryland law requires that all decisions regarding custody be made “in the best interests of the child,” yet judges regularly penalize survivors for raising concerns […]