Bowie, Maryland Protective Order Lawyers

Aggressive Attorneys Helping Protect Against Domestic Violence in Bowie, MD

An estimated 10 million people in the U.S. experience some form of domestic violence every year. Living in fear is no way to live, especially when the person you are afraid will harm you or your children is a family member or domestic partner. A temporary or long-term protective order could grant you peace of mind. You may be eligible for a peace order if you do not qualify for a protective order.

At the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we take your safety seriously. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 to request help from law enforcement officers. Otherwise, call us immediately if you need to seek an order of protection or legal assistance enforcing an existing order. We will thoroughly explain your legal options and help you decide which to pursue. Free consultations can be arranged to suit your schedule.

Understanding Eligibility for Maryland Protective or Peace Orders

Maryland laws take a strong stance against domestic violence of any kind. If your circumstances qualify, you can seek either a protective or peace order, but not both. The nature of your relationship with the abuser and the type of abuse will determine which type of order you may be granted. The goal of these orders is to protect you and force the abuser to stop their abusive behaviors.

Protective Orders

Protective orders, sometimes called restraining orders, could be available if your relationship with your abuser meets specific criteria. Generally, this type of order is filed against a family member or another person with whom you have an intimate relationship. They may also provide protection for vulnerable adults and those who were threatened with or experienced sexual assault or rape.

Examples of abuse that may fall under a protective order include:

• Assault
• An act that placed you in fear of or accomplished serious and imminent bodily harm
• Revenge pornography
• Stalking
• False imprisonment

A protective order can also address other forms of abuse. Temporary or ex parte orders can protect you for seven days, but some circumstances can extend that period for up to six months. The court will likely grant a temporary order if your attorney shows reasonable grounds to believe the abuse occurred.

Your abuser, called the respondent, must be served with the ex parte order before a protective order hearing can be scheduled. During this hearing, your lawyer must prove by a preponderance of evidence that the abuse occurred. If granted, a long-term protective order typically lasts for six months, although extensions may be possible.

The court granting your order can include various forms of relief, such as:

• Temporary child custody arrangements
• Requiring your abuser to cease all contact, stay away from your home and workplace, and surrender firearms
• Award you possession and use of a jointly-owned car or a shared home

Your attorney will request any and all forms of relief that apply to your situation.

Peace Orders

Although peace orders can apply to a broader range of people, including stalkers or people you are not acquainted with, they do not offer as many forms of potential relief. Courts usually impose only minimal forms of relief in these situations. These orders may be granted if you do not qualify for a protective order.

How We Can Help With Protective Orders

When you fear for your children's or your own safety, you can trust the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett to do all we can to protect you. We can represent you when:

• Petitioning for a temporary order
• Presenting your case at your protective order hearing
• Requesting an extension of a protective order
• Enforcing a protective order after a violation by your abuser

You do not have to live in fear. We understand that requesting a protective order is a monumental decision, but we will support you at every step. The abuse that is harming you or your children is not your fault, and by receiving protection, you can make sure your and your family's safety and well-being will be protected.

Call Our Bowie Orders of Protection Attorneys

When you or your children are threatened by domestic violence, the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett believes your safety is paramount. We can assist with putting a protective order in place or reporting a violation of an existing order. Do not wait to contact us online or call 301-262-5500 to discuss your situation in a free consultation.