Peace Orders and Protective Orders (also referred to as Restraining Orders) provide protection to qualified persons (Petitioner) by prohibiting an individual (Respondent) from contacting that person in any manner. The type of Order depends on the relationship between the parties. If you are served with a Peace or a Protective Order, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Baltimore protective order attorney immediately to discuss your rights. The Law Offices of Kerri Cohen provides aggressive representation in Peace and Protective Order hearings to resolve your case with the best possible outcome.
If you are served with a Peace or Protective Order during a Divorce or Child Custody case, our skilled family law attorneys are here to help. These proceedings can have serious consequences for your family law case.
If you are served with a Peace or Protective Order and are currently pending criminal charges for the same alleged conduct, you need an experienced criminal lawyer on your side to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
If you are served with a Peace or Protective Order and are currently pending criminal charges for the same alleged conduct, you need an experienced criminal lawyer on your side to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
To qualify for a “Protective Order” Petitioner must:
be a current or former spouse of Respondent;
be related by blood, marriage, or adoption to Respondent;
have a child in common with Respondent;
have lived with Respondent for at least 90 days within 1 year before filing and is having a sexual relationship with Respondent;
have had a sexual relationship with Respondent within 1 year before filing;
be a vulnerable adult; or
be a parent, stepparent, or stepchild if the Petitioner lived with Respondent for at least 90 days within 1 year before filing
If the Petitioner does not have any of the above relationships with Respondent, they do not qualify for a Protective Order, but may still be able to obtain a Peace Order.
To obtain a Protective Order, Petitioner must be able to prove by the preponderance of the evidence that one of the following has occurred:
be a current or former spouse of Respondent;
be related by blood, marriage, or adoption to Respondent;
have a child in common with Respondent;
have lived with Respondent for at least 90 days within 1 year before filing and is having a sexual relationship with Respondent;
have had a sexual relationship with Respondent within 1 year before filing;
be a vulnerable adult; or
be a parent, stepparent, or stepchild if the Petitioner lived with Respondent for at least 90 days within 1 year before filing
To obtain a Peace Order, Petitioner must be able to prove by the preponderance of the evidence that one of the following has occurred*:
An act that caused serious bodily harm;
An act that placed Petitioner in fear of imminent bodily harm;
Assault in any degree;
Rape or sexual offense;
Attempted rape or sexual offense;
False imprisonment; or
Common law stalking
Criminal harassment;
Criminal trespassing;
Malicious destruction of property;
Misuse of telephone facilities and equipment;
Misuse of electronic communication or interactive computer service;
Revenge porn; or
Visual surveillance
*The alleged act must have occurred within 30 days of filing the Petition.
To understand the process involved with obtaining a Peace or Protective Order call the Law Offices of Kerri Cohen today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys can be there for you if you give us a call today.