Filing a protective order is an important way to protect yourself from abuse. Taking that step sometimes takes a great deal of courage. Maryland is serious about shielding abuse victims from their abusers. If you need to file a protective order, a Clarksville protective order lawyer can guide you through the process and represent you in court hearings.
If you must fight a restraining order, a Clarksville family law attorney can also determine how it might be terminated or modified.

In January 2025, ninety protective orders were filed in Clarksville’s Howard County alone. If you are facing a situation that is making you unsafe, you have options to protect yourself and your loved ones.
With over 25 years of experience, the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, is passionate about protecting the victims of abuse, and our firm is well-versed in protective order laws. We’ve helped thousands of clients throughout the years, and our team can give each one of them personalized attention.
If you or a family member is facing threats or violence, our law offices want to protect you. Our lawyers have extensive experience with protective order cases, so we can tailor that experience to your unique case. We can provide sound legal advice and a solid support system as you navigate this difficult, often terrifying, time.
While most people know it better as a “restraining order,” it’s called a “protective order” in Maryland. A protective order exists to safeguard victims of assault, rape, revenge porn, sexual misconduct, stalking, and false imprisonment.
Because Maryland takes protecting the victims of abuse very seriously, it does not require them to pay court fees to file the order. Someone who would like to file a protective order might be eligible to do so if:
The petition is created under oath and might require:
The protective order must be filed within a reasonable timeframe after the abuse. Usually, a protective order hearing is held within seven days of filing the petition. An experienced Clarksville protective order attorney can help you file the petition and represent you in the hearing.
Proof of the abuse might include:
Hiring a protective order lawyer not only provides you with representation in the courtroom but also ongoing support outside of it. They can provide clarification and guidance through the complex legal system, along with a compassionate, listening ear. They can be your ally through it all, along with:
Having a protective order lawyer on your side can help you navigate this difficult and emotionally stressful time in your life.

The cost of a lawyer for a protection order varies widely, depending on multiple factors. Some attorneys in Clarksville charge a flat fee, while others charge an hourly rate. Beyond factors like the lawyer’s experience level and your location, the case’s complexity is usually the biggest factor in the cost of hiring a lawyer. A case with an extensive amount of evidence that needs to be reviewed can add to the amount that a lawyer might charge.
A protective order in Maryland doesn’t cost anything. The state wants to make sure victims can file an order if they need one, whether they have the funds to do so or not. While they won’t need to pay to file the protective order, they might be responsible for the cost of producing documentation for the court. They might need to pay to make copies of medical records, photographic evidence, and police reports to give to the court.
To fight a protective order in Maryland, it’s crucial that you speak to a protective order attorney as soon as possible. Hearings for a protective order usually happen within one week of the protective order being filed. While it’s not necessary to have a lawyer, a mistake in court could result in a year-long protective order. A lawyer can create a defense plan. They can also tell you when to speak, who to speak with, and how to protect your rights.
A lawyer can get protective orders dismissed or terminated. These orders exist to protect those who need it, but a judge has the authority to modify or even terminate the protective order if there’s a good reason. Some of those reasons might be that:
A lawyer can help you file a motion to terminate the order.
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we understand how important it is to protect yourself, your family, and your reputation. With over 25 years of experience, we can achieve a successful outcome. We can use our knowledge of the law and our passion for helping our clients to build a solid case on your behalf.
Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
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