Peace & Protective Orders in Baltimore
When you are in a situation where you need a peace or protective order, the circumstances can be frightening and unsettling. However, you do not need to navigate the situation alone. The law offices of Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy are here to help you obtain peace or protective orders in Baltimore, MD.
As a top law firm in Baltimore, MD, Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy is here to help represent you, help with the filing, and offer support as you find out what your rights are and what type of order is the best for your situation.
Whether you are facing harassment, stalking, threats, or violence, we are here to help. Discover your options and get assistance filing a protective order or peace order in Baltimore.
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The Difference Between Peace Orders and Protective Orders in Maryland
Peace orders and protective orders are two types of restraining orders in Maryland. They have different purposes based on who you are seeking protection from.
Family attorneys at Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy in Baltimore can help you file the correct order and follow the legal process with representation and support.
What Are Protective Orders in Maryland
Protective orders in Maryland for those who are seeking protection against someone with whom they have a close relationship, such as a spouse or family member. They must be able to prove an act of abuse or assault from the qualifying person in order to have the protective order granted.
Qualifying Relationships Include:
- A spouse (married, divorced, or separated)
- Familial relationship (blood, marriage, or adoption)
- Live-in partner
- Co-parents of a child together
- Past sexual partner of the last year
- Attempted sexual assault within the last year
Abusive Acts Under Maryland Law:
- Assault
- Acts that cause imminent fear of bodily harm
- Acts causing bodily harm
- Rape, sexual offense, or attempted rape/sexual offense
- Stalking
- False imprisonment
What Are Peace Orders in Maryland
For those who are seeking protection against a non-relative or someone they do not have a close relationship with, Maryland offers peace orders. Peace orders are for all other relationships not accounted for under a protection order.
Qualifying Relationships May Include:
- Neighbor
- Coworker
- Acquaintance
- Stranger
- Non-sexual dating partner
- All other parties not accounted for under a protection order
If you are unsure what order is the best for your situation, call Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy. Our experienced family law attorneys can assist in determining what type of order you should obtain, and how & where to file in Baltimore.
How To File a Protective Order in Baltimore
To file a protective order or peace order in Baltimore, you need to fill out and submit the proper forms to the District Court of either the county where the incident took place or within the county where you already have papers filed (divorce filings, for example). You can submit the paperwork in person or file online electronically for a virtual hearing.
In addition to the forms filing for the protection order, you may also need a written or prepared testimony about the reasoning(s) for a peace order.
Family law attorneys at Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy can help you clarify your statements and focus on the acts that qualify for protective orders.
How Long Do Protective Orders Last
After filing your protection order paperwork, you will be immediately granted a temporary protective order that may last up to 7 days if your testimony qualifies you for immediate protection. From there you will be in contact with the courts for a final hearing date where both parties will appear to testify against the incident and offer evidence.
This second hearing is when a protection order may or may not be granted for up to 1 year; the timeframe is up to the discretion of the judge. You have options while under a protective order to rescind it or ask for modifications and extensions. These have limitations and restrictions, and it is best to work with a family law attorney to learn your options.
In some instances, after the protective order has been in place, some petitioners may request a permanent protective order. It is important to work with a lawyer to understand your options and what is possible for your situation.
Saller Law Can Help You Obtain a Protective or Peace Order
Peace & Protective orders in Baltimore have guidelines that must be met in order to be granted. While navigating this unsettling process, the family law attorneys at Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy are here to help.
We can organize the facts of your case, help with testimony, gather evidence, and file with the courts. Our assistance allows you to focus on you and what you need while we navigate scheduling, hearing dates, and more.
Contact us online or call for assistance on obtaining a peace or protective order in Baltimore today
Call today and hear back from us within twenty four hours, guaranteed.