Towson Protective Orders Lawyer

Dedicated Protective Orders Defense Attorney in Towson

In Maryland, peace orders and protective orders can be critical legal tools that are meant to prevent harm and ensure the safety of people who may be at risk of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. These orders may be used in a variety of situations, and the type of order that may be used will depend on the circumstances of a case and the relationship between the alleged victim and the person who has been accused of engaging in dangerous or illegal behavior. For those who have been accused of harassment, abuse, or related crimes, it is essential to understand the types of restrictions that may be put in place and the steps that can be taken to respond to protective/peace orders and defend against criminal charges.

At Baltimore Legal Services, our team understands the ways people may be affected when they are accused of acting in ways that caused others to suffer harm or fear that they would be injured. We can provide effective legal representation in these matters, ensuring that a person can respond to accusations of abuse or harassment and defend against a criminal conviction while limiting the potential restrictions that may apply to them under peace orders or protective orders.

Protective Orders: Safeguarding Against Domestic Violence

In Maryland, protective orders may be used in cases involving accusations of domestic abuse. To receive a protective order, a person must have a qualifying relationship with the alleged abuser. A person may request a protective order against a current or former spouse, the other parent of their child, a family member related to them by blood or marriage, a current romantic partner, a person that they had a sexual relationship with during the past year, or a person who committed or attempted rape against them within the past six months. Protective orders may be issued in response to acts of abuse, which may include assault, sexual assault, threats to inflict physical injuries, false imprisonment, or revenge pornography.

Protective orders can impose a range of restrictions on the alleged abuser, including:

• Prohibiting any contact with the petitioner, including at home, work, or other locations.
• Requiring the alleged abuser to vacate a shared residence.
• Prohibiting the alleged abuser from possessing firearms.
• Awarding temporary custody of minor children to the alleged victim.
• Requiring the alleged abuser to attend counseling sessions.

Peace Orders: Addressing Stalking, Harassment, and More

Peace orders are similar to protective orders, but they will be available to people who do not have a qualifying relationship that would allow them to obtain a protective order. In general, an alleged victim may request a peace order if they do not have a romantic, sexual, or family relationship with the alleged offender. Peace orders may be issued in cases where a person is accused of stalking, harassment, trespassing, malicious destruction of property, or other similar offenses.

Peace orders can many of the same restrictions as protective orders, such as:

• Prohibiting harassment, stalking, or any form of malicious behavior.
• Barring any contact between the alleged offender and the alleged victim.
• Restricting the alleged offender from entering the petitioner's residence, workplace, or school.
• Requiring the alleged offender to refrain from using electronic communication to contact or monitor the alleged victim in any way.
• Any additional conditions that may be necessary to prevent future harmful conduct.

Legal Procedures Related to Peace/Protective Orders

When a person requests a peace order or protective order, a judge may choose to put a temporary order in place, and restrictions may go into effect immediately. A hearing will be scheduled within seven days after the alleged offender is served with the temporary order. At this hearing, both parties will be able to present their side of the case, and a judge will determine whether to issue a final protective order or peace order. Final protective orders may last for up to one year, while final peace orders may last for up to six months.

Peace orders or protective orders may be put in place regardless of whether an alleged offender is charged with or convicted of criminal offenses related to abuse or harassment. Violating a peace order or protective order is a misdemeanor criminal offense that may apply in addition to any other criminal charges. A first offense for violating a protective order or peace order may lead to a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. For a second or subsequent offense, a person may be sentenced to one year, fined up to $2,500, or both.

Contact Our Towson Peace Order Defense Attorney

In cases involving allegations of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, it is important to understand what restrictions may be put in place by protective orders and what steps may be taken in response to these accusations. At Baltimore Legal Services, we can offer invaluable assistance with these matters, ensuring that your rights are upheld and your voice is heard in legal proceedings. We will work to help you avoid or limit the restrictions that peace orders or protective orders may place on you, and we will work with you to defend against any related criminal charges. Reach out to us at 858-523-8423 and set up a free consultation to learn how we can assist you in navigating the legal system effectively.