Protective Orders & Peace Orders
Protective Orders and Peace Orders in Maryland and Washington D.C.
If you’re facing threats, harassment, or violence, you do not have to go through it alone. At Colbert Law Center, our domestic violence lawyers understand how overwhelming and emotional these situations can be.
Whether you need protection from an abusive partner, a harassing neighbor, or a threatening acquaintance, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the safety you deserve.
At Colbert Law Firm, we are committed to guiding you through every step of obtaining Protective or Peace Orders. From filing the initial petition to representing you in court hearings, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your safety and legal rights.
Our firm recognizes the urgency and sensitivity of these matters and prioritizes swift, confidential, and compassionate legal support.
How We Can Help You
Looking for a Protective & Peace Order Lawyer in Maryland and Washington, D.C.? We are here to help you:
Determine If You’re Eligible for a Protective or Peace Order
Protective orders and peace orders are designed to offer legal protection from harm, but eligibility depends on your relationship with the other party and the nature of the threat.
Here’s how they differ:
- Protective Orders apply to individuals in domestic relationships, such as spouses, ex-spouses, family members, or co-parents.
- Peace Orders apply to individuals who do not share a domestic relationship, such as co-workers, neighbors, or acquaintances.
Not sure which one applies to your situation? Our legal team will assess your case, explain your options, and guide you toward the right path.
File Protective or Peace Orders
Filing for a protective or peace order can feel intimidating, but we’re here to simplify the process. We’ll help you:
- Gather the necessary documentation and evidence
- Fill out and file the required paperwork correctly
- Prepare for the hearing and represent you in court
- Advocate for your safety and ensure the order provides the protection you need
Modify or Extend an Existing Order
If your situation changes or you still feel at risk after the order expires, we can help you request an extension or modification. Your safety remains our priority, and we’ll fight to keep the legal protection in place for as long as necessary.
Defend Against Wrongfully Filed Orders
Unfortunately, protective and peace orders can sometimes be misused. If you’ve been served with an order unfairly, we can build a strong defense to challenge it and protect your rights.
Hire the Best Protective & Peace Order Lawyer in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Experienced Legal Guidance
Our team has years of experience handling emergency protective and peace order cases, and we know the Maryland legal system inside and out.
Compassionate Approach
We genuinely care about your safety and well-being. You’ll get personalized attention and support throughout the process.
Aggressive Advocacy
Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against a wrongful order, we’ll fight for your rights and your best interests.
Efficient & Effective Representation
Time is critical in these cases. We work quickly and efficiently to file your order, prepare your case, and get you the legal protection you need.
When your safety is on the line, do not hesitate to take action. Based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, we serve clients across different regions so that their safety and legal rights are never compromised.
Contact Colbert Law Center today for a confidential consultation and let us help you take the next step toward protection and peace of mind.
FAQs
Peace Order vs Protective Order - how do they differ?
Ans. Protective Orders are available to individuals who have a domestic relationship with the respondent, such as spouses, ex-spouses, co-parents, individuals who live together or have lived together in an intimate relationship, and certain family members.
On the other hand, Peace Orders are for cases where there is no domestic relationship, such as conflicts with co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers.
While both orders are supposed to provide protection, they have different eligibility requirements and legal procedures.
How to fight a peace order?
Ans. If you have been served with a Peace Order and believe it is unjust, you have the right to challenge it in court.
The first step is to attend the hearing, as failing to appear could result in the order being granted automatically. You should gather any evidence that supports your case, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements, and consider hiring an attorney to help build a strong defense.
In court, you will need to demonstrate that you did not engage in the alleged behavior or that the claims do not meet the legal standard for issuing a Peace Order. If the order is granted, you may have the option to file an appeal within the designated timeframe.
How to get a restraining order?
Ans. In Maryland and Washington, D.C., restraining orders are legally referred to as Protective Orders or Peace Orders, depending on the relationship between the parties involved.
To obtain one, you must first determine whether you qualify for a Protective Order (for domestic situations) or a Peace Order (for non-domestic situations).
The next step is to file a petition at the District or Circuit Court, or at a Commissioner’s Office if court is closed. If the judge believes you are at immediate risk, they may grant a temporary order on the same day.
A full court hearing will then be scheduled within a few days, where both parties can present their cases. If granted, a final Protective Order can last up to a year, with the possibility of extensions, while a Peace Order typically lasts up to six months.
How to get a no-contact order?
Ans. A No-Contact Order is often included as part of a Protective Order, Peace Order, or a criminal case.
If you need protection from someone, you can request a No-Contact provision when filing for a Protective or Peace Order. In criminal cases, if the accused has been charged with harassment, assault, or another offense against you, a judge may issue a No-Contact Order as a condition of their release.
In some cases, you may also file a motion separately to request a No-Contact Order through the court. Violating a No-Contact Order is a serious offense and can result in legal consequences such as arrest and jail time.
What’s there to know about the domestic violence protection order in Washington State?
Ans.You can visit this website to learn more about the domestic violence protection order in Washington, D.C.
Anti-Harassment Order vs Restraining Order - what’s the difference?
Ans. An Anti-Harassment Order is designed to prevent ongoing harassment, threats, or intimidation. It is usually used in cases where someone is being stalked, harassed, or subjected to repeated unwanted contact that causes distress.
On the other hand, a Restraining Order is a broader term used to refer to court orders that prohibit contact, threats, or proximity between individuals.
The main difference is that an Anti-Harassment Order specifically addresses harassment, while a Restraining Order (Protective or Peace Order) provides broader legal protections, including restrictions on physical violence, stalking, intimidation, and other forms of harm.
In Maryland and Washington, D.C., what people commonly call a “restraining order” is legally referred to as either a Protective Order or a Peace Order, depending on the relationship between the parties.