Peace Orders in Maryland: Your Safety, Your Rights, Your Peace of Mind
Find the Protection You Deserve
When fear, intimidation, or harassment invades your life, it can feel as though your sense of security has been stolen. No one deserves to live under the weight of anxiety, always looking over their shoulder or dreading the next unwanted message or confrontation. If you are facing harassment, threats, or stalking from someone outside your immediate family, Maryland law provides a powerful legal shield—a peace order.
At our firm, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether you need immediate protection from a dangerous situation or are fighting back against a wrongfully filed peace order, we stand ready to defend your rights and restore your peace of mind. With compassionate guidance and unwavering legal advocacy, we will walk beside you, ensuring your voice is heard and your security is prioritized.
What is a Peace Order in Maryland?
A peace order is a court-issued directive designed to protect individuals who are experiencing harassment, threats, intimidation, or abuse from someone who is not a family member or intimate partner. Unlike a protective order, which applies to cases of domestic violence, peace orders are designed to protect you from non-domestic situations, including:
- Neighbors who engage in harassment or threats.
- Co-workers creating a hostile or unsafe environment.
- Landlords or roommates exhibiting threatening behavior.
- Acquaintances, friends, or former friends whose actions have become dangerous.
- Strangers who have begun stalking or intimidating you.
A peace order can legally require the offender to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your loved ones. It can also prohibit all forms of contact, including phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media interactions.
If someone’s actions are making you feel unsafe, you are not alone. The law is on your side, and we are here to ensure that your rights, dignity, and security are protected.
Types of Peace Orders in Maryland
The law provides three levels of peace orders to offer the right level of protection based on your circumstances:
1. Interim Peace Order
- Available when courts are closed (weekends, nights, holidays).
- Issued by a court commissioner to provide immediate, emergency protection.
- Remains in effect until a judge hears your case.
2. Temporary Peace Order
- Issued by a judge after reviewing your petition.
- Provides protection for up to seven days, with possible extensions up to 30 days.
- Ensures legal consequences for ongoing harassment, intimidation, or threats.
3. Final Peace Order
- Granted after a full court hearing where both parties present evidence.
- Can last up to six months, with extensions available if the threat remains.
- Offers long-term legal protection, setting strict boundaries for your safety.
Whether you need immediate emergency relief or long-term legal protection, we will help you navigate the legal process with strength and confidence.
How a Peace Order Can Protect You
A peace order is more than just a legal document—it is a powerful safeguard that can:
- Put an immediate stop to harassment, threats, and intimidation.
- Legally require the offender to cease all contact with you.
- Provide a clear record of abuse, which can be crucial in future legal actions.
- Set strict legal boundaries that hold the offender accountable.
- Ensure criminal charges if the offender violates the order.
We understand how overwhelming and frightening these situations can be, but you are not alone. With our expert legal guidance, you can take back control of your life and safety.
How to Obtain a Peace Order in Maryland
The peace order process is designed to act quickly when you need protection. Here’s how to take action:
Step 1: File a Petition
Visit your local District Court (or a court commissioner’s office if courts are closed) to file for a peace order. Be prepared to describe why you feel threatened, harassed, or unsafe.
Step 2: Temporary Peace Order Hearing
Once your petition is filed, a judge will review your case and may issue a temporary peace order the same day to provide immediate protection.
Step 3: Final Peace Order Hearing
Both parties will present evidence at a full hearing. Our attorneys will:
- Prepare strong evidence (texts, emails, police reports, witness testimony).
- Ensure that your voice is heard and that the court understands your concerns.
- Advocate for a legally enforceable peace order to provide lasting protection.
Once granted, a final peace order can remain in effect for up to six months, with options for renewal if needed.
What Happens If a Peace Order is Violated?
A peace order is a legally enforceable document, and violating it is a criminal offense in Maryland. If the offender ignores the restrictions, they may face:
- Immediate arrest without a warrant.
- Fines, probation, or jail time.
- Additional legal consequences and restrictions.
If a peace order violation occurs, call 911 immediately. Your safety is our priority, and we will ensure that justice is served.
Defending Against a Wrongfully Filed Peace Order
Unfortunately, peace orders can sometimes be misused. If you have been wrongfully accused, we are here to defend your rights and protect your reputation.
Our defense strategy includes:
- Challenging false claims and exposing inconsistencies.
- Presenting evidence that disproves the allegations.
- Ensuring your freedoms are not unjustly restricted.
- Defending your reputation and fighting to clear your name.
If you are facing an unfair peace order, we will fight aggressively to defend your rights.
Why Choose Our Maryland Peace Order Attorneys?
- Compassionate Legal Advocacy – We handle sensitive cases with care, empathy, and discretion.
- Swift Legal Action – We act immediately to obtain urgent legal relief.
- Aggressive Representation – We fight fiercely to protect your rights and safety.
- Defense Against False Allegations – We challenge wrongful peace orders and protect your reputation.
Your peace of mind matters. Whether you need protection from harassment or defense against an unjust order, we are here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Contact a Maryland Peace Order Lawyer Today
You do not have to live in fear. If you need a peace order, or if you are facing one unfairly, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for you.
📞 Call us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you take control of your future and move forward with confidence.
