If you’re dealing with harassment, threats, or even physical harm, then you can count on Maryland law to have your back. So, Protective and Peace Orders exist to help you reclaim your safety and peace of mind. It’s essentially a legal tool that’s designed to set boundaries and give you space to breathe again. While the two types of orders might seem similar at first glance, they apply to different situations, and figuring out which one fits your case can be confusing when you’re already under a lot of stress.
Maybe you’re not sure if what’s happening to you “counts” or if you’re overreacting, but if you feel unsafe, it’s absolutely worth speaking to someone. So, this is exactly where a knowledgeable attorney comes in. They’ll help you make sense of it all, walk you through your options, and make sure you’re not facing the situation alone.
What is a Protective Order?
For starters, Protective Orders are designed for cases where there’s a close personal relationship, like with a spouse, partner, family member, or someone you’ve lived with. If someone close to you is threatening your safety, either physically or emotionally, a Protective Order gives you a legal way to step back and create space. It’s not just about forcing someone to stay away, but it’s about protecting your everyday peace.
These orders can stop them from contacting you, require them to move out of your home, or even force them to hand over any firearms they own. If you’ve already tried asking them to stop and they won’t listen, or even if things feel like they’re getting worse, then it might be time to take that next step. So, a Protective Order puts clear, enforceable boundaries in place so you can focus on feeling safe again.
Eligibility for a Protective Order
So, what about eligibility? Well, you could be eligible for a Protective Order in Maryland if you’re married to, divorced from, related to, or have a child with the person. But it also applies if you’ve lived together in an intimate relationship for at least 90 days in the past year, or if you’ve been a victim of sexual assault or stalking by them. It’s a lot to process, especially when you're already exhausted or anxious, but a Protective and Peace Orders attorney can walk you through it step by step so you’re not figuring it all out on your own.
What’s a Peace Order and Who Can File One?
Not every dangerous situation involves someone you know well or have a relationship with, and that’s exactly why Peace Orders exist. Maybe it’s a neighbor who keeps coming onto your property after being asked not to, a co-worker whose behavior has crossed a line, or someone online who just won’t leave you alone.
But these Peace Orders are designed to step in when a situation turns threatening, even if there’s no close personal connection.
Common Situations for Peace Orders
Peace Orders are often used when someone is dealing with things like repeated harassment, stalking, trespassing, unwanted contact through social media or texts, or even verbal threats.
But these aren’t just minor annoyances; they (understandably) can leave you feeling unsettled, unsafe, or constantly on edge. If someone is showing up where they shouldn’t, bombarding your phone with messages, watching your home, or trying to intimidate you, well, this type of order gives you a formal and legal way to tell them to stop.
And if you're sitting there wondering whether what you’re going through “counts” or if it’s worth speaking up, well, just know that you’re not alone. Actually, there are so many people out there who hesitate, because they’re just unsure if they’re overreacting. But if someone’s actions are making you feel unsafe or interfering with your daily life, it’s worth looking into. Besides, a quick conversation with a Protective and Peace Orders attorney can help you figure out your options and take steps toward protecting your peace of mind.
What to Expect with the Filing Process
By all means, filing for a Protective or Peace Order might sound intimidating, especially if you’re already emotionally drained or just trying to stay focused on making it through each day (which is how most victims are). Plus, the legal system can feel confusing, and showing up at a courthouse might be the last thing you want to do, but understanding how the process works can help take some of that fear away.
To prepare, here’s a helpful breakdown on how to get a restraining order in Maryland.
The Overview
So, the process typically starts when you file a petition at your local district or circuit court. The court will review your request quickly, and in many cases, a judge can issue an interim or temporary order that same day. But this order is designed to offer immediate protection, something that can bring instant relief if things have started to spiral.
But after that, you’ll usually have a final hearing scheduled within a week. You can see this as your opportunity to explain your situation in front of a judge. The person you filed against will also have the chance to speak, and the judge will make a decision about whether to issue a longer-term order.
Now, yes, it can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you’re dealing with fear, stress, and paperwork all at once. For any person, it can be really hard to just take this all in at once. But this is where having a Protective and Peace Orders attorney really helps, you can count on them to help you prepare on what to say, make sure all your documents are in order, and be there beside you in court to provide the kind of calm, clear-headed support that makes the process less overwhelming.
Temporary vs. Final Orders
There’s a big difference between temporary and final orders, and it helps to know what to expect from each before heading into court. For starters, Temporary Orders are a fast-acting solution, usually lasting until your court hearing, so about seven days. When it comes to Final Orders, once approved, they can last up to a year or even longer.
But that final hearing is your chance to be heard, and it can shape what comes next. Which is why it’s best to get a lawyer since they can help you feel prepared and supported, so you’re not going through it all with a knot in your stomach.
There are Consequences of Violating an Order
There’s one thing to keep in mind here: these orders aren’t just pieces of paper, but they’re backed by law. So, if someone violates the terms, they’re breaking serious rules. Ignoring a Protective or Peace Order can lead to arrest, criminal charges, fines, or jail time. It can also create problems for the violator in child custody, employment, or immigration situations.
If your order isn’t being respected, it’s okay to speak up; in fact, you should speak up, as your safety might be on the line. That’s exactly why a Protective and Peace Orders attorney can help you do it effectively. They’ll do whatever they can to make you feel safe again.
Learn more about what proof you need for a restraining order and how to protect your rights.
Protective and Peace Orders in Glen Burnie & Columbia, MD
If you're in Glen Burnie, Columbia, or nearby Maryland communities, you’re not without support. While Maryland’s laws apply across the board, how each local court handles cases can vary more than you’d think. But why does local experience matter? Well, here at Kunka Law, we understand how things work in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, not just in theory, but in practice, of course.
We’ve walked into those courtrooms, worked with those judges, and navigated the local system enough to know what really gets things moving. This kind of on-the-ground experience means we’re not just filling out forms, but we’re helping you make the strongest possible case for your safety.
Maybe your hearing is with a judge known to ask specific questions, or maybe your courthouse handles filings a little differently, but whatever it is, the team here at Kunka Law has been there before. That familiarity makes a difference when time, clarity, and accuracy are all working against the clock.
So, when it comes to protecting yourself, having a local Protective and Peace Orders attorney means having someone who knows the shortcuts, the bottlenecks, and the best way to get results in your specific area.
Take the First Step, Don’t Wait to Get Help
Every day you wait is a day you’re still stuck dealing with something that shouldn’t be happening. Sure, it’s easy to tell yourself to wait one more day or hope things settle down, but honestly, those days add up, and your peace of mind deserves better. These legal tools exist for a reason, and they’re here to help you set boundaries, regain control, and start feeling safe again. Yes, it’s true, taking action might feel overwhelming, but support is closer than you think.
So, if you’re dealing with threats, harassment, or abuse, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself either. Instead, just reach out to us here at Kunka Law for legal support that’s not only experienced but also genuinely understanding of what you’re going through. It's a brave step to move forward, and you’ll feel safe and supported the whole way through.
And if you’re ready to get started, just click the Get a Free Consultation button on the page, it’s quick, easy, and could be the first step toward taking back control. You deserve to feel in control of your life again, and there’s a clear path forward to help get you there!