Towson Protective Orders Lawyer
If you live in Towson and are experiencing any type of abuse, the law in Maryland offers many forms of protection. Individuals who are the victim of domestic violence can apply for a protective order, while individuals experiencing other types of abuse can apply for a peace order. In other states, both types of orders are usually known as restraining orders. If you are in danger, or are being falsely accused of any type of abuse, it is critical that you speak to a Towson protective orders lawyer who can advise on your case.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can apply for a protective order by applying through the district and circuit courts. You are eligible for protection if one of the following conditions applies to your case:
- You are currently married to, or were once married to, the person who is acting violently against you.
- You lived with your abuser for a minimum of 90 days within a period of one year.
- You have a child with your abuser.
- You are related to the abuser through blood, adoption, or marriage.
- You are a parent, stepparent, or stepchild of the abuser.
- You have been sexually intimate with the abuser within the last year.
After you submit your petition to the court for a protective order, a judge will issue an interim order which will offer temporary protection. You must then attend a hearing, and the person you are accusing of domestic violence will also attend. If the court grants you a protective order, the accused must not contact you for a period of 12 months, although that time can be extended.
Peace Orders
If you are not in a domestic violence situation, but you are still experiencing abuse, you can petition the court for a peace order. Unlike a protective order, peace orders are in effect for six months and not one full year. You can petition the court for a peace order if any of the following situations apply:
- You were the victim of any act that caused serious bodily harm.
- An act by another person made you reasonably fear bodily harm.
- You were the victim of stalking or harassment.
- You were the victim of an attempted rape or assault, or actual rape or sexual assault.
- Another person restrained you without the proper legal authority to do so.
- Another person destroyed your property with malicious intent.
- Another person used a phone or other electronic device to intimidate or hurt you.
Regardless of the type of protection order you need, it is always recommended that you first speak to a Towson protective orders lawyer.
Our Protective Orders Lawyer in Towson Can Advise On Your Case
If you are experiencing any type of violence, or you have been wrongfully accused, our Towson protective orders lawyer at Lebovitz Law can help you petition the court to give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us now at (410) 657-6494 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
