Peace Order Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

At Colbert Law Firm, our seasoned peace order lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. help clients deal with difficult, sometimes frightening situations involving harassment, threats, or abuse from people who aren’t family or household members. In Maryland, when you’re facing this kind of behavior, one of the effective legal tools available to you is a Peace Order.

What is a Peace Order?

A Peace Order is a court-issued restraining order designed to protect individuals from abuse, stalking, harassment, trespassing, or other forms of harmful or threatening behavior. This is a lot like Maryland’s version of a civil protective order but specifically for situations where the person bothering you is not someone you live with or are related to by blood, marriage, or adoption.

So, if the person causing you harm is a neighbor, former friend, coworker, ex-boyfriend or girlfriend (without cohabitation), or even a stranger, a peace order might be the appropriate legal remedy.

On the other hand, Washington, D.C. does not use the term "peace order," but has similar protective mechanisms like Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) or Anti-Stalking Orders, depending on the relationship and nature of the conduct.

When Can You Get a Peace Order?

Maryland law (Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-1503) outlines specific behaviors that qualify for a peace order. You can request one if, within the past 30 days, the respondent (the person you’re filing against) has committed any of the following acts against you:

• Assault (including threats of physical harm)


• Harassment


• Stalking


• Trespass


• False imprisonment


• Malicious destruction of property


• Misuse of telephone or electronic communication


• Revenge porn (distribution of a private image without consent)


• Visual surveillance or other invasive conduct

Remember, timing is critical. You must file within 30 days of the most recent incident. In our experience representing clients throughout Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City, one of the most common mistakes we see is people waiting too long to file. If you’ve experienced any of the above, you’ve to take action quickly.

How Can a Peace Order Help You?

If granted, a peace order provides several layers of protection. Specifically, the judge may order the respondent to:

• Stop contacting, threatening, harassing, or abusing you


• Stay away from your home, job, or school


• Cease all electronic communication (calls, texts, emails, DMs)


• Surrender firearms temporarily if there's credible evidence of a threat

In more serious cases, the court also orders the respondent to attend counseling or anger management classes. From a practical standpoint, a peace order gives you a legal mechanism to hold someone accountable if they continue to harass or threaten you.

At Colbert Law Firm, our peace order attorneys have helped many clients in places like Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, and Laurel obtain peace orders that restored their sense of security. Whether it’s an ex who won’t stop texting, a coworker stalking you, or a neighbor who’s been increasingly aggressive, a peace order acts as a legal boundary.

How Long Will the Peace Order Be in Place?

Peace orders in Maryland follow a three-stage process:

Interim Peace Order

Issued by a commissioner after business hours or on weekends if you’re in immediate danger. This is temporary and only lasts until a judge can hear your case—usually within a few days.

Temporary Peace Order

Granted during court hours and typically lasts for 7 days, but the court can extend it up to 30 days.

Final Peace Order

If the judge finds sufficient evidence during the final hearing, they can issue a peace order for up to 6 months. In some cases, it can be extended for an additional 6 months.

This staggered approach allows for quick, short-term protection followed by a longer-term resolution. However, keep in mind that the success of a final order depends heavily on your evidence and presentation in court.

Penalties for Violating an Order

Violating a peace order is a criminal offense in Maryland, and the courts take it seriously. If someone disobeys the order—for example, by texting you after being told not to—they can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

The penalties include up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for a first offense. And for subsequent violations, up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

If a weapon is involved, or if the violation includes threats of bodily harm, the consequences can be even more severe. We’ve worked with clients in D.C. and surrounding Maryland counties where violations led to the respondent being taken into custody almost immediately. Don’t underestimate the legal power of these orders.

Why Hire Our Peace Order Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Here’s how we can help:

Case Evaluation

We listen to your story, assess the strength of your case, and help you determine whether a peace order or a different type of protective order is your best option.

Filing and Representation

We prepare and file the necessary paperwork, represent you in court, and present your case persuasively. We make sure your side of the story is heard clearly and respectfully.

Evidence Gathering

Text messages, voicemails, photos, surveillance footage - we help you collect and organize everything you need to build a strong case.

Respondent Defense

If you’ve been served with a peace order and believe it was issued unfairly or in error, we also defend clients against false or exaggerated claims.

Since our peace order lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. are familiar with the legal nuances of these states, we offer localized advice that reflects how judges in these jurisdictions actually handle peace order cases. Every county has its quirks e.g. what works in Rockville may not fly in Greenbelt. We know the difference, and we use that insight to your advantage.