Protective Order Violation Lawyers in Baltimore

Baltimore Protective Order Violation Lawyers

When served with a protective order (known in other states as a restraining order), you are expected to follow the terms, as violations can result in serious legal consequences.

Even a minor misunderstanding or accidental contact can lead to arrest and criminal charges. When that happens, you need a protective order violation lawyer who knows how to protect your rights.

Greenberg Law Offices has defended clients across Baltimore for decades. If you’re accused of violating a protective order, call us today to find out how we can help.

Understanding Protective Orders in Maryland

Protective orders are civil court orders issued to protect people who say they’ve experienced domestic violence or abuse. These orders can help stop further contact, threats, and harm. Judges can order someone to:

Stay away from the petitioner’s home, work, or school
Stop contacting them (whether by phone, email, social media, or other methods)
Surrender firearms while the order is in effect

If you contact or try to contact the protected person, go to a place you’re ordered to avoid, or break any other condition written into the order, that violates the order. Even if the other person initiates contact or no longer wants the order, it’s legally binding until a court changes or cancels it.

Types of Protective Orders and Who Can File

Maryland has two main types of protective orders:

Interim Protective Orders and Temporary Protective Orders

Interim protective orders and temporary protective orders are short-term. They are often issued quickly if the court believes there’s an immediate danger. A temporary order usually lasts up to seven days but can be extended for good cause.

Final Protective Orders

Final protective orders are issued after a court hearing. If a judge determines it is necessary, they can extend them for up to one year and renew them if necessary. In serious cases, a court can make a protective order permanent.

Only certain individuals and family members can file for a protective order in Maryland:

Current or former spouses
Cohabitants (someone who lived with the respondent in a sexual relationship for at least 90 days in the past year)
People related by blood, marriage, or adoption
Parents, stepparents, or stepchildren (if they lived together for at least 90 days in the past year)
Certain vulnerable adults
A person who has a child in common with the respondent

People who don’t meet these relationship requirements might still qualify for a peace order, which has slightly different rules.

Consequences of Violating a Protective Order in Baltimore, Maryland

Violating a protective order is a crime.

A first offense can result in up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. A second or later offense carries up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Beyond the direct criminal penalties, violating a protective order appears on your criminal record. This can create challenges when you’re applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. It can also affect your custody or visitation.

Common Defenses Against Charges of Protective Order Violations

Not every accusation is accurate, and not every charge leads to a conviction. Several defenses may apply, depending on the facts of your case.

These defenses often include:

Lack of notice – You can’t be convicted of violating a protective order unless you were properly served and knew about its terms.
No actual contact – Sometimes accusations are based on misunderstandings or mistaken identity. Evidence like phone records and GPS data can help prove you didn’t make contact.
No willful violation – The law requires proof that you knowingly and willfully violated the order. Accidental or incidental contact doesn’t meet that standard.
Order is no longer in effect – Temporary protective orders expire. If the order wasn’t active when the alleged violation happened, it may not be enforceable.

An experienced protective order violation lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices can challenge the state’s evidence and argue for dismissal or charge reduction.

Steps to Take if Accused of Violating a Protective Order

Here’s what to do if you’ve been accused of violating a protective order:

Stop all contact immediately. Even indirect contact through friends or social media (like asking someone to pass a message on for you) can count as a violation.
Go to your scheduled hearings. Missing court can lead to additional charges and arrest.
Save all communications, video, and other evidence that can support your claims.
Contact a lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices right away.

Responding quickly shows the court you take the matter seriously—and it gives your lawyer the time they need to prepare your defense.

How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in a Protective Order Case

A protective order violation lawyer can:

Investigate and collect evidence that supports your version of events
Ask to suppress unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence
Negotiate with prosecutors for dismissal or reduced charges
Present a defense at trial, if necessary
Advise you on how to minimize the long-term effects on your career and family matters

Choosing the Right Legal Representation in Baltimore

Choosing the right lawyer is essential. You need a local attorney who has strong experience handling protective order cases—not just general criminal defense. Most clients also want a lawyer who is willing to answer their questions and keep them informed throughout the case.

Greenberg Law Offices has represented people across Baltimore for decades. When you work with us, our attorneys can explain your options and fight to protect your rights in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Protective Order Violations in Baltimore

Here are some of the most common questions clients have:

What if the other person contacted me first?

Even if the other person initiates contact, you can still be charged with violating the order. Only the court can change or cancel a protective order.