Baltimore Protective Orders & Peace Orders Lawyers

Family Law Attorneys Assisting With Protective Orders and Accusations of Domestic Violence in Baltimore, MD

Protective orders and peace orders are two types of civil orders designed to provide legal protection to people who have been subjected to violence or abusive behavior. Protective orders and peace orders typically order someone to refrain from taking certain types of actions, including committing acts of violence or abuse, contacting certain people, or going near certain locations. Many people commonly think of these orders as "restraining orders."

Despite their similarities, protective orders and peace orders will be used in different situations. The main differences relate to the relationship between the petitioner (the person who is seeking protection) and the respondent (the person who has been accused of wrongdoing), as well as the acts qualifying as abuse.

At Silverman Thompson, our family law attorneys can help clients address concerns related to domestic violence and protective orders. For people who have experienced domestic abuse or who may be at risk of harm due to violence, we can assist with petitions for protective orders. For those who have been accused of domestic violence, we can take steps to defend against protective orders. At the same time, we can help clients address related issues that may affect cases involving divorce, child custody, or other family law matters.

Protective Orders

A person eligible for relief under a protective order may include:

• The respondent's spouse or ex-spouse
• A person who lives with the respondent in the same household
• A person who is a relative of the respondent, including blood relatives, in-laws, stepparents or stepchildren, or adoptive parents of children
• The other parent of the respondent's child
• A dating partner or another person who has had an intimate relationship with the respondent within the previous 12 months before the petition for a protective order was filed
• A relative of the respondent or petitioner, including their child or parent, who currently resides with the respondent or petitioner or who lived with the respondent or petitioner for at least 90 days during the previous 12 months before a petition for a protective order was filed
• A person considered to be a vulnerable adult, such as someone with a disability
• An alleged victim of sexual assault committed by the respondent during the six months before a petition for a protective order was filed

In the protective order context, the definition of "abuse" that may be addressed through a protective order may include the following:

• Assault
• The infliction of a serious injury
• An act that caused a person to fear that they would be seriously injured
• Rape or a sexual offense
• False imprisonment
• Stalking
• Revenge pornography
• Child abuse
• Abuse of a person with a disability or another vulnerable adult

Peace Orders

A person who does not qualify as a person eligible for relief for a protective order is eligible to seek a peace order for protection from another person.

The acts that may form the basis for a peace order include the following:

• Any actions that have led to serious injuries
• Any actions that have caused the petitioner to fear that they would suffer serious bodily harm
• Assault in any degree
• False imprisonment
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Malicious property destruction
• Trespassing
• Misuse of telephones, such as harassing phone calls
• Misuse of other types of electronic communication, such as text messages
• Visual surveillance
• Revenge pornography

Shielding of Protective Orders and Peace Orders

The entry of a protective order or peace order can cause serious collateral consequences for the respondent. They may encounter difficulties in seeking employment or obtaining a lease. A person may need to take steps to address these issues and avoid ongoing consequences.

Maryland law allows records of protective order and peace order proceedings to be shielded in certain circumstances. Our attorneys can advise clients on when shielding may be available, and we can help file the proper petitions in court while advocating for relief.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Protective Order Attorneys

The team of attorneys at Silverman Thompson who help clients address concerns related to family law is led by Monica Scherer. We have experience litigating these matters in court and helping our clients protect their rights. Whether you need to obtain a protective order or peace order or are looking to defend against harsh restrictions resulting from accusations of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, we are ready to advocate for you. Contact our Baltimore peace order and protective order lawyers at 410-385-2225 and arrange a consultation.