What is a peace order? It’s a court order that stops the abusive or threatening behavior, limits contact, or imposes physical distance. In Maryland, a peace order is a protective order that may be pursued against an individual for harassment, abuse, or threats, but it is not considered a close personal relationship. The attorneys of Patrick Crawford Law help those in Annapolis take the steps toward receiving peace and protective orders and take your needs for safety and emotional well-being seriously.
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Peace orders legally restrain an individual who causes harm or threatens harm through their actions and behavior. They may include no contact, keeping the respondent away from your home, workplace, or school, and other acts that amount to harassment or abuse.
Peace orders are provided in Maryland for individuals where there is no close personal or familial relationship with the offender. They are particularly useful in dealing with workplace harassment, disputes with neighbors, and other similar conflicts.
The most important difference is in what relationships they cover:
Although both orders originate with the courts of Maryland, protective orders deal with domestic relationships whereas peace orders encompass non-domestic disputes. Peace orders primarily prohibit threats or contact and do not deal with family law-related issues.
Although it is possible to make an application for a peace or protective order without an attorney, having an experienced attorney will add immense value to your case. The procedure of filing, presenting evidence, and arguing before the court is daunting and can be pretty complex legally.
An attorney will make sure that all documentation needed is completed correctly and timely, while also representing you during the hearings to get the best protections available by law. It is particularly key to consult with an attorney if the respondent opposes the order, as the rules of procedure and evidence in a courtroom are very difficult to maneuver for non-attorneys. This is clearly delineated in the official directions on protective and peace orders from the Maryland Courts.
If you have been served with a peace or protective order, you are entitled to a hearing where you can put up your defense. In general, the defenses against either of these orders are that the allegations are unfounded or there is a lack of evidence.
The respondents can only dispute the petition on misrepresentation of facts or improper conduction on the part not meeting the legal threshold requirements for an order to be issued, for instance, misunderstandings and minor disagreements may not characterize harassment or threats under Maryland statutes. As it states on WomensLaw’s page How to get a protective order – Evidence presented is key.
Do you have a pending peace order against you, or would you like to file one? Here at Patrick Crawford Law, our skilled attorneys in Annapolis will guide you through the State of Maryland’s process. Contact us today to speak with an Annapolis attorney who can protect your rights and help you get your peace of mind back.
Patrick Crawford is an Annapolis Family Lawyer dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. During his career, Patrick has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other family law cases of diverse complexity.
Years of experience: 20+ years.
Maryland Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page has been approved by attorney Patrick Crawford, a legal professional with over 20 years of experience in family law.