Experienced Representation to Defend Your Rights & Reputation in Howard County
Being served with a protective or peace order in Maryland can be a deeply stressful and confusing experience — especially if the accusations are exaggerated, false, or misunderstood. These civil court orders carry serious legal, professional, and personal consequences that can follow you for years.
At Kunka Law, we provide aggressive, respectful, and experienced legal defense for individuals facing protective or peace orders in Ellicott City and the greater Howard County region. If you’re facing one of these orders, you deserve to have your story heard — and your rights defended.
???? What Are Protective and Peace Orders?
In Maryland, there are two types of civil protective orders designed to protect individuals from alleged abuse, threats, or harassment:
1. Protective Orders
Protective orders are typically issued in domestic or family-related situations, including:
- Current/former spouses or intimate partners
- People who have children in common
- Cohabitants or relatives
A protective order can restrict you from contacting the petitioner, remove you from your home, suspend your firearm rights, and more.
2. Peace Orders
Peace orders are issued in non-domestic relationships, such as:
- Neighbors
- Coworkers
- Acquaintances or strangers
These orders are used in cases of alleged harassment, stalking, or threats and may restrict contact or physical proximity.
⚠️ Consequences of a Protective or Peace Order
Even though protective and peace orders are civil proceedings, they can lead to lasting consequences:
- Permanent public record of the order (unless expunged)
- Loss of Second Amendment firearm rights (under Maryland & federal law)
- Potential criminal charges if the order is violated
- Restrictions on where you can live or work
- Impact on immigration status or custody cases
???? According to Maryland Judiciary records, over 21,000 peace and protective order petitions were filed in 2022 — many resulting in long-term restrictions even when criminal charges weren’t pursued.
???? How We Defend You at Kunka Law
As your protective/peace order defense lawyer in Ellicott City, we take the time to fully understand your side of the story. Our legal strategy may include:
- Challenging the credibility or motivations of the petitioner
- Presenting contradictory evidence such as texts, recordings, or witnesses
- Demonstrating lack of intent, threat, or harm
- Showing compliance with all laws and peaceful conduct
- Filing for modification, rescission, or expungement when appropriate
We appear with you at temporary and final hearings at the Howard County District Court, located at:
District Court of Maryland for Howard County
???? Howard County District Court
3451 Courthouse Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043
???? (410) 313-2111
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a protective or peace order last?
Temporary orders last up to 7 days (extendable). Final orders typically last 6 months to 1 year, but can be extended or modified.
Can a protective order show up on a background check?
Yes. Even though it’s civil, the order appears on Maryland Case Search and may impact jobs, licenses, and housing.
What happens if I violate the order?
Violating the terms of any order can result in criminal charges, including jail time and fines.
Can I own or carry a firearm after being served?
No. A final protective order prohibits gun ownership under both Maryland and federal law. You must surrender all firearms.
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
???? Call Kunka Law – Peace & Protective Order Attorney in Ellicott City
If you’ve been served with a protective or peace order in Ellicott City, don’t face the system alone. These matters are time-sensitive and can affect your future for years to come.
Call today for a free consultation and let’s build your defense.
???? Office Address: 7420 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Suite 300
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
???? Call: (410) 787‑0110
???? Email: [email protected]
???? Website: kunkalaw.com