Protective Orders
A Protective Order is designed to protect a person from abuse.
A court will issue a Protective Order to tell an abuser what they can or cannot do for specified things. If the abuser fails to follow a Protective Order, law enforcement has the right to immediately arrest them and take legal actions.
What is a Protective Order?
A person can obtain an order of protection for themselves, or their children, in either he District or Circuit Courts.
There must be a familial or sexual relationship to qualify for a Protective Order. If there is no relationship, then you will need a Peace Order.
The Court can order:
- No Contact: the abuser is not allowed to contact the victim at all (including in-person, phone calls, texting, emails, and letters)
- Peaceful Contact: the abuser can only contact the victim when discussing specified topics (e.g. making decisions about their children)
- Stay Away: the abuser is not allowed to come within a specified distance of the victim
- Move Out: the abuser must move out of the home
- No Firearms: the abuser must surrender all firearms to law enforcement for the duration of the order
- Counseling: the abuser must go to counseling for the duration of the order
What is Considered Abuse?
Abuse is defined as several actions, including:
- An act that causes serious bodily harm (e.g. hitting, choking, shooting, shoving, or biting)
- An act that places someone in fear of imminent serious bodily harm (including threats)
- Assault, rape, or sexual assault
- Mental injury to a child or minor
- Stalking
Work with Our Team of Experienced Attorneys
If you require assistance with Protective Orders or have any questions regarding our services, please don’t hesitate to call us at (410) 842-1070.
Testimonials
Great to Have in Your Corner
Steffani was the right person to have in my corner. I am thankful for her knowledge, patience, and kindness. She gave me the tools I needed to make good decisions under harsh circumstances. She honored my emotions while guiding me with kindness and wisdom.
Amy
Considerate and Helpful
Kumudha Kumarachandran was very professional and considerate and helped me through a very difficult time. She is knowledgeable and compassionate. I would recommend her to anyone and will always be grateful to her more than I can express!
Diana Ownes
Responsive, Knowledgeable, and Professional
Laurie and her group of attorneys were so wonderful to work with during my divorce. During the initial consultation, Laurie was very informative and compassionate. She gave many facts about the laws and process for divorce in Maryland, while also listening to my story fully. Even before I officially hired Laurie and her firm for my divorce, she would still promptly respond to my email questions and phone calls.
Eva