If you are in Germantown, Maryland, and have been the victim of domestic violence, you may be able to obtain a protective order. A protective order is a court order that requires the abuser to stop the abuse and have no contact with the victim. The victim can also request other relief, such as child custody or financial support.
If you are considering filing a protective order, you must speak with an experienced protective order lawyer. The lawyers at Jezic & Moyse have extensive experience handling protective orders and can help you understand the process and what to expect. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a protective order in Germantown?
When a person feels that they are in danger from another person, they may seek a protective order. A protective order is a legal document issued by a court that orders the person to stay away from the protected person. The order can also include other provisions, such as ordering the perpetrator to surrender their firearms. Protective orders are usually granted in domestic violence, stalking, or harassment cases.
Protective orders are designed to protect victims of domestic violence from further harm. They are intended to stop the abuser from contacting the victim by phone, email, text, or in person. The order can also require the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home, job, or school.
If the abuser violates the protective order, they can be arrested and charged with a crime. The penalty for violating a protective order can include jail time and a fine.
Who can file for a protective order?
In Maryland, any victim of domestic violence can file for a protective order. This includes victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. You do not have to be married to the abuser to file for a protective order. The abuser can be a current or former spouse, co-parent, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you are dating.
How to file for a protective order
You can file for a protective order at your local District Court. The court will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions. You must complete the forms and return them to the court.
Once the forms are filed, a judge will review them and decide whether to issue a temporary protective order. If the judge believes there is enough evidence of domestic violence, they will issue a temporary order. This order will last until a hearing can be held.
At the hearing, you and the abuser will have an opportunity to present evidence and testify. After considering the evidence, the judge will decide whether to issue a final protective order. If the judge issues a final protective order, it will remain in effect for up to one year.
If you have been the victim of domestic violence, contact Jezic & Moyse today to speak with an experienced protective order lawyer. Our lawyers can help you understand the process and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When to contact a protective order lawyer in Germantown, MD?
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may be able to obtain a protective order from the court. A protective order is a legal document that orders the abuser to stop the abusive behavior and have no contact with the victim. If the abuser violates the terms of the protective order, they can be arrested and charged with a crime.
Suppose you are considering filing for a protective order. In that case, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Germantown, MD, domestic violence lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights and options. The lawyer can also help you navigate the often-complex legal process and ensure that your interests are protected.
How can a protective order attorney help?
A protective order lawyer can assist in several ways if you seek protection from someone threatening or harassing you.
- A protective order attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for a restraining order or other types of a protective order under the law. In many cases, domestic violence or stalking victims will be eligible for a restraining order, which can provide them with significant legal protections.
- A protective order lawyer can help you navigate the process of obtaining a restraining order or other protective order from the court. This can be a complicated and confusing process, but a lawyer can make it much simpler and ensure that you take all the necessary steps to protect yourself.
- A protective order lawyer can also provide you with representation in court if your restraining order is violated. If the person against whom you have the order violates it, you can take them to court and seek enforcement of the order. This can include seeking financial damages or even jail time for the offender.
If you need protection from someone who has been threatening or harassing you, a protective order lawyer can be a valuable resource. These lawyers can help you determine whether you qualify for a restraining order, navigate the process of obtaining one, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact a protective order lawyer today to learn more about how they can help you.
Contact a protective order lawyer in Germantown today for a free consultation
If you are considering filing a protective order, you must consult with an experienced protective order lawyer in Germantown. At Jezic & Moyse, we have extensive experience helping victims of domestic violence obtain the protection they need. We will work tirelessly to help you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced protective order lawyer in Germantown. We will review your case and explain your legal options. Call us at (240) 292-7200 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protective Orders
What happens if the offender violates a protective order?
If your protective order is approved and the respondent (offender) violates it, they may be arrested and charged with Violation of a Protective Order. When this happens, the judge may order whatever is necessary to enforce the order, including jail time. Offenders who violate protective orders may face up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Is a peace order the same as a protective order?
No, a peace order isn’t the same as a protective order. Both serve the same function, but each one applies to different relationships. Protective orders apply to cases of domestic violence, covering family-like and sexual relationships, including domestic violence. Conversely, peace orders apply to all relationships outside that scope, including relationships with strangers, colleagues, or neighbors.
Is a protective order the same as a restraining order?
Restraining orders and protective orders serve the same purpose—they simply go by different names. Maryland calls them protective or peace orders, while other states call them restraining orders. It all depends on where you are and what type of relationship is in question.
Do I need a protective order attorney to get a protective order?
You aren’t required to hire a protective order attorney to get a protective order—you can file the necessary paperwork on your own. However, having help from a skilled protective order attorney can be helpful. They can advise you of your legal rights and options, guide you through the intricacies of the legal process, and ensure your interests are protected.