Columbia, MD Protective Order Attorney

Skilled Lawyer Helping Clients With Restraining Orders in Columbia, Maryland

When somebody is accused of domestic violence, the situation may escalate to a point where court intervention is required. The purpose of a protective order is to prevent someone from harming another person according to terms set by a judge. Whether you want to get a protective order or defend against one, seeking strong legal counsel is a must.

At DM Family Law, we can advocate for you in hearings for protective orders. We can work with you from the beginning of your case to the end to make sure your interests are protected, building a strong argument based on your unique circumstances.

Who Can I Get a Protective Order Against?

In Maryland, only certain people are eligible for a protective order. Specifically, the petitioner (the person requesting the order) and the respondent (the person named in the order) must have a qualifying relationship. You can get a protective order if your abuser is:

• Your current or former spouse
• Your relative by blood, marriage, or adoption
• Someone you lived with in a sexual relationship for 90 days in the past year
• Someone with whom you share a child
• Someone you had a sexual relationship with in the last 12 months
• Someone you were raped or sexually assaulted by (including unsuccessful attempts) in the past six months

If you are considered a vulnerable adult due to a physical or mental disability, you can file a protective order against anyone who has abused you, regardless of how you know that person.

To get a protective order, you must prove that you have suffered abuse, which can include acts that cause injury, stalking, threats of violence, false imprisonment, and other acts. At DM Family Law, we can assess your eligibility for a protective order and discuss your next steps if you want to move forward with a petition.

What Can a Protective Order Do?

There are different kinds of protective orders in Maryland that can provide immediate and long-term relief from abuse. You can pursue a temporary protective order on short notice by going to court and requesting one from a judge. This order can be issued ex parte, meaning that your abuser does not have to be present.

If granted, it will go into effect for seven days until a hearing for a final protective order can be held. A temporary protective order can prevent your abuser from contacting you, going near you, visiting your home or workplace, and cease all abusive behaviors.

If a final protective order is granted after a hearing, it will go into effect for one year, though it can be extended to up to two years in certain circumstances. The final protective order can impose the same restrictions as a temporary protective order, as well as any other measure deemed necessary for your safety. In some cases, your abuser could be removed from a shared residence.

The Hearing for a Final Protective Order

During the hearing for a final protective order, you will have to provide evidence to show that it was more likely than not that you suffered abuse. Evidence of abuse can take different forms, such as photographs of bruises, threatening text messages or voicemails, or witness statements. It is especially important to attend the hearing if you have been accused of abuse by the petitioner, as it gives you the chance to dispute the allegations against you.

Meet With a Columbia, MD Protective Order Lawyer

If you have any concerns about securing or defending against a protective order, reach out to DM Family Law today. Our family law attorney has over 20 years of experience. Call our office at 443-545-8100 or contact our Columbia protective order attorney to schedule a free consultation.