{"id":373882,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-protective-orders-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-16T09:44:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T14:44:50","slug":"maryland-protective-orders-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-protective-orders-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Protective Orders Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Maryland Protective Orders Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 16, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Maryland protective order laws protect people from any form of abuse committed by a member of the household or cohabitants. These include acts of sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and other forms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/domestic-violence.html\">domestic violence<\/a>. The state offers three types of protective orders: interim, temporary, and final. Each offers specific protection and duration.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you are in imminent danger, you should contact your local police right away. Once you are in a safe place, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic violence attorney<\/a> can help you get a protective order or restraining order and explore other legal options.<\/p>\r\n<p>The protective order laws in Maryland have a wide range of legal protections. These state laws aim to secure people from abuse committed by a member of the household or a cohabitant. It gives protective measures to people experiencing various forms of abuse, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/sexual-assault-overview.html\">sexual assault<\/a>, harassment, stalking, abuse, and other sexual offenses. Maryland offers comprehensive protection to victims of domestic violence. State law gives penalties and fines for those found guilty of these criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you or your family member is experiencing domestic violence, seek legal help through various hotlines.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hruth.org\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House of Ruth Domestic Violence Hotline (410-889-7884)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnadv.org\/get-help\/24-hour-national-hotline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This article provides a comprehensive overview of Maryland&#8217;s protective order laws and the steps for getting protection.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Maryland Protective Order Overview<\/h2>\r\n<p>Like most states, Maryland&#8217;s protective order system is under state law, particularly Maryland&#8217;s family law. Although most details related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/protective-orders.html\">protective orders<\/a> are similar across the country, certain provisions in each state make it unique. For instance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law.html\">Maryland law<\/a> has three types of protective orders: interim, temporary, and final. Each protective order serves a different purpose and is effective for varying time frames.<\/p>\r\n<p>The table below gives an overview of provisions related to protective orders in Maryland.<\/p>\r\n<table border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Eligible people<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Maryland <a href=\"https:\/\/mgaleg.maryland.gov\/mgawebsite\/Laws\/StatuteText?article=gfl&amp;section=4-501\" title=\"Family Law \u00a74-501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Law \u00a74-501<\/a> makes the following people eligible to file for protective orders:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Current or former spouses<\/li>\r\n<li>Cohabitants living together for at least 90 days in the past year.<\/li>\r\n<li>Those related by blood, marriage, or adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Parents sharing a minor child<\/li>\r\n<li>Vulnerable adults<\/li>\r\n<li>Current or former sexual partners<\/li>\r\n<li>Victims of sexual assault<\/li>\r\n<li>Stepparents and stepchildren who lived together for at least 90 days in the previous year<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Note that <a href=\"https:\/\/mgaleg.maryland.gov\/mgawebsite\/Laws\/StatuteText?article=gfl&amp;section=4-501#:~:text=%E2%80%9CCohabitant%E2%80%9D%20means%20a%20person%20who%20has%20had%20a%20sexual%20relationship%20with%20the%20respondent%20and%20resided%20with%20the%20respondent%20in%20the%20home%20for%20a%20period%20of%20at%20least%2090%20days%20within%201%20year%20before%20the%20filing%20of%20the%20petition.\" title=\"cohabitants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cohabitants<\/a> mean those who had a sexual relationship with the respondent and lived with them for at least 90 days a year before filing the protective order.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Types of abuse covered<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/mgaleg.maryland.gov\/mgawebsite\/Laws\/StatuteText?article=gfl&amp;section=4-501\" title=\"Family Law \u00a74-501(b)(1)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Law \u00a74-501(b)(1)<\/a>, the following are acts of abuse:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Assault<\/li>\r\n<li>Acts that cause fear of imminent serious bodily harm<\/li>\r\n<li>Acts that cause serious bodily harm<\/li>\r\n<li>Rape or sexual offense<\/li>\r\n<li>Stalking<\/li>\r\n<li>False imprisonment<\/li>\r\n<li>Mental injury to a child<\/li>\r\n<li>Revenge porn<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Available relief<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Maryland <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-506\/\" title=\"Family Law \u00a7 4-506(d)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Law \u00a7 4-506(d)<\/a> offers various forms of relief through protective orders. This includes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Stay away requirements<\/li>\r\n<li>No-contact provisions<\/li>\r\n<li>Temporary custody of children<\/li>\r\n<li>Emergency family maintenance<\/li>\r\n<li>Use and possession of the home<\/li>\r\n<li>Counseling requirements<\/li>\r\n<li>Surrender of firearms<\/li>\r\n<li>Temporary possession of pets<\/li>\r\n<li>Temporary use and possession of vehicles<\/li>\r\n<li>Other relief necessary to protect a person from abuse<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Mandatory arrest<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Maryland <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-procedure\/md-code-crim-proc-sect-4-101\/\" title=\"Family Law \u00a7 4-509(f)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Law \u00a7 4-509(f)<\/a> mandates law enforcement officers to arrest if they have probable cause to believe a person violated a protective order. The officer can arrest the person with or without a warrant. This applies to all types of protective orders.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Protective Orders in Maryland<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Maryland has three <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-504\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">different types of protection orders<\/a>. Each order serves a specific protective purpose. They differ based on the timing and circumstances surrounding each case.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Interim Protective Order<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>The District Court Commissioners issue <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-504-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interim protective orders<\/a> when courts are not available. Any person seeking protection can get an interim protective order 24\/7. It&#8217;s valid until the court can hold a temporary hearing, often at the end of the second business day. To secure this protective order, there should be a reasonable ground to believe that abuse happened.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Temporary Protective Order<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>The courts can issue a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-505\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">temporary protective order<\/a> ex parte without the presence or notice of the alleged abuser. It&#8217;s valid for up to seven days and requires reasonable grounds to believe the abuse happened. After issuance, the court schedules a final temporary protective order hearing within seven days. This type of protective order includes temporary provisions related to safety and custody.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Final Protective Order<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>This type of protective order requires clear and convincing evidence that abuse happened. It is often valid for up to 12 months. You can extend it for up to two years with good cause. In some cases, a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-506\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">final protective order<\/a> can also become permanent and may include an order for various forms of relief. The victim and the alleged abuser have the right to be at the final protective order hearing.<\/p>\r\n<p>The judge may also issue a mutual protection order if, by a preponderance of the evidence, the judge finds that mutual abuse happened.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Criminal Penalties for Violations of Protective Orders<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-4-509\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland Code<\/a> gives fines and prison sentences for those found guilty of violating protective orders. The penalties increase for subsequent violations.<\/p>\r\n<table border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">First offense<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Fine not exceeding $1,000<\/li>\r\n<li>Imprisonment up to 90 days<\/li>\r\n<li>Or both<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Second or subsequent offense<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Fine not exceeding $2,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Imprisonment up to one year<\/li>\r\n<li>Or both<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2>Immigration Considerations<\/h2>\r\n<p>A non-U.S. citizen violating a protective court order can also suffer from immigration consequences. The violation can affect their immigration status. Victims of domestic violence can also seek special <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration.html\">immigration remedies<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Related Resources:<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-criminal-laws.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">Maryland Criminal Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-domestic-violence-laws.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">Maryland Domestic Violence Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-child-custody-laws.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">Maryland Child Custody Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdcourts.gov\/circuit\/harford\/selfhelp\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Self-Help Center | Maryland Courts<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Seek Legal Advice<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you or someone you know are victims of domestic violence in Maryland, you can seek support from various resources. Contact your local authorities for immediate help or the <a href=\"https:\/\/hruth.org\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House of Ruth Domestic Violence Hotline (410-889-7884)<\/a>. You can also speak with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> to learn more about your legal protections.<\/p>\r\n<p>For those facing charges related to violating the protection order, do not delay seeking legal help. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland criminal defense attorney<\/a> with experience handling protective orders can assess your criminal case and give you the legal help you need.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Maryland attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">\n                        Find Your State&#8217;s Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/all-topics.html\">\n                        View All State Law Topics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\">\n                        State Statutes of Limitations\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Violence Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sex Offenses Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/white-collar-crimes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">White Collar Crimes Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains Maryland&#8217;s protective order laws, detailing types, durations, and consequences of violations. Seek protection and get legal help today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":373789,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3030,3038],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-373882","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_21_1","state_laws_tags-statelaws_21_2"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373882"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373882\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373882"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=373882"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=373882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}