Bel Air Protective Orders Lawyer
Twenty people are physically harmed by an intimate partner every minute, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Whether a family member or any other person threatens you, harms you, or attempts to hurt you or your children, one of the most crucial actions that you can take to protect yourself is to file for a protective order. Protective orders prohibit the alleged abuser from communicating with you, from being close by to you, and from continuing the acts that put your well-being in jeopardy. However, in order for a protective order to be granted by a judge, there must be ample evidence in support of the dangerous person’s actions. If you cannot prove that they have harmed or intend to harm you, the protection may be denied. A Bel Air or Columbia attorney will help you file for an order as soon as possible, and will ensure that the court fully realizes just how large of a threat this person is to you and your loved ones.
Do I Need a Protective Order or a Peace Order?
A protective order is a court order that commands someone from discontinuing their abuse or harassment of the petitioner for a fixed period of time. Usually, the petitioner is related to, or is in an intimate relationship with (or used to be in an intimate relationship with), the harasser. However, this is not always the case. A peace order seeks to accomplish the same thing: to protect a victim from an abuser. The difference is that a peace order is given when the two parties have no relation, according to Maryland Courts.
Protective Orders Impose Penalties on the Abuser
A temporary protective order is used to dissuade the abusive party from continuing their harassing or abusive ways, by imposing strict penalties upon them if they disobey the order. Temporary protective orders can:
- Order the person to leave your home;
- Order the person to stop abusing or harassing you;
- Order the person to stop contacting you or your children;
- Give you sole custody of your children;
- Order the person to not get within a certain distance of your home or work; and
- Be included in the final protective order, which may include forcing the person to give up their firearms, provide emergency family maintenance, and seek court-ordered counseling.
What Can Protective Orders be Issued For?
Protective orders can be used when the perpetrator has committed or attempted to commit any of the following:
- Assault (including threats made to you or another family member or child);
- Battery;
- Aggravated battery;
- Sexual battery;
- Stalking;
- Harassment; and/or
- False imprisonment.
Call a Bel Air or Columbia Lawyer to File for a Protective Order Today
Whether you have been physically harmed, threatened, held against your will, or intimidated by an intimate partner or another, you need to act swiftly to protect yourself and your children. Call Schlaich & Thompson Chartered today so that we can begin the process of filling for a protective order at once.
