Live in peace from harassment through Maryland peace orders.
Maryland Peace Order Lawyers
Fend off stalkers, abusers, and harassment from those outside of your family with temporary and final peace orders, championed by your legal ally at JC Law.
What Is A “Peace Order” In Maryland? What’s The Difference Between A Peace Order And A Protective Order?
Maryland’s peace orders are a version of what many people consider to be a “restraining order.” Peace orders are Maryland court-ordered legal protection for anyone who’s getting harassed, stalked, or otherwise having serious problems with someone. The harasser could be a neighbor, a classmate, or even a former date that ended poorly.
The difference between a Maryland peace order and a protective order is that a peace order is filed against a “stranger,” or otherwise someone without an intimate or familial relationship with the accused.
A protective order, on the other hand, is often filed in cases of alleged domestic abuse between the petitioner and a family member or spouse.
For example, a college professor may file for a Maryland peace order against a stalking former student, and file a protective order against their abusive wife.
You can file a peace order whenever you believe you have been:
- Abused;
- Harassed;
- Stalked;
- Had them trespassing on or breaking into your property; or
- Actually maliciously breaking or destroying your property.
Note that if you are eligible for a protective order in Maryland, you cannot also file for a peace order.
Is There A Time Limit To File A Peace Order?
Yes. Unlike alleged abuse as part of protective order hearings, you must file for a peace order within 30 days of the alleged incident. This could be a month after your tires got slashed, you received a disturbing letter, or the last time you physically encountered the would-be stalker.
How Can I Get A Peace Order?
The process is very similar to that of getting a protective order. However, a peace order is heard only in Maryland District court, not Maryland’s circuit courts.
You’ll file a petition – this time a “Petition for Peace Order” – with the relevant District Court Commissioner’s office. These offices are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As the petitioner, you’ll then fill out the Peace Order form detailing:
- Alleged incidents of harassment, stalking, trespassing, or other harmful acts taken against you by the alleged individual;
- Previous court or law enforcement records to corroborate the claims; and
- Exactly what type of protection you need.
The District Court Commissioner then reviews your petition and decides whether to grant an interim peace order, which will last for two days or – if the alleged individual, or “respondent,” doesn’t get a copy within that time – be upgraded into a temporary peace order until the final hearing is scheduled.
At the final peace order hearing, both sides may present evidence showing the actions did or did not occur. (It’s extremely prudent to at least consult with a lawyer experienced in court room examinations and argumentation, since this hearing will be something like a trial in civil court.)
It’s up to you, as the petitioner, to prove that it is more likely than not that the actions occurred as you stated them. This is known as showing a “preponderance of evidence,” in legal-speak.
Both you and the respondent may take the stand to testify as to what happened. Don’t be surprised if the respondent lies under oath; stay calm and let your lawyer cross-examine them to reveal the falsehood.
After all evidence has been presented, the judge will rule whether a final peace order should be granted, with what kind of relief and for how long.
What Can A Judge Rule As Part Of A Final Peace Order?
Maryland judges can require a lot of different things if they believe behavior has occurred to necessitate a final peace order, including:
- A “stay away” order, to keep the respondent away from you at any place;
- A “no contact” order, to prevent the respondent from contacting, communicating, or threatening you in any way – even “as a joke;”
- Award emergency family maintenance – basically alimony and/or child support – to the petitioner;
- Possibly order counseling or even mediation; and
- Order either party to pay all court and legal fees for everyone involved.
These orders only remain in effect as long as the peace order itself, which cannot exceed six months in Maryland. If behavior necessitates an extension of the peace order, a judge may do so for up to six months at a time.
What Happens If Someone Violates A Peace Order?
First of all, call the police and your lawyer! The police can create an official report that codifies the incident in legal records, and the lawyer can tell you what possible options or remedies are available to you due to the violation.
Those who break a peace order can be charged with a misdemeanor, pay a fine up to $1,000 or go to jail for up to 90 days. Those who do so repeatedly face increasingly worse restrictions.
Therefore, if you or someone you know has been accused of violating their peace order, immediately contact a lawyer with experience in Maryland peace orders to get your legal ducks in a row. And, if at all possible, try not to break the court-ordered peace again!
“Florian [Tabaku] is great in being so laid-back and calm when you as a client are anxious and emotional because there is so much at stake. [He] produced an amazingly just ruling!”
Find out what it’s like to work with us.
Your Legal Team

Florian Tabaku
Managing Attorney
Clients looking for a dedicated, hard-working, thorough, and tough advocate that offers personalized attention for their unique case should ask for Florian. When Flo handles your case, expect professional, responsive, and proactive representation that gets results.

Zachery Groves
Domestic Partner and Senior Litigator
For your domestic case, the buck stops with Zack Groves. Zack's priority is to maintain your family and quality of life, no matter what your case entails, with individualized representation.

Timothy Sutton
Senior Litigator
Timothy's current clients on domestic litigation leverage his nearly 20 years' experience litigating in state, federal, and administrative courts throughout Maryland. Work with Timothy if you want a legal ally who can truly connect with you and your case to achieve your desired outcome.
Getting the right lawyer is easy.
Consult With An Attorney
Every case deserves the personal attention of a licensed legal professional. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation to any Marylander who needs it.
Develop Your Legal Strategy
During your initial conversation, your consulting attorney will offer suggestions and advice concerning your specific situation and desired outcomes.
Move Forward With Confidence
Once you retain James Crawford Law, you’ll have the entire Firm team at your disposal to fight for your side of the story. Our first priority will be the success of your case.