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Columbia Protective Order Lawyer

Columbia Protective Order Lawyer

Columbia Protective Order Attorney

Domestic violence affects families in Columbia and throughout the state of Maryland. The Maryland Courts defined domestic violence as “abuse” that occurs between “family or household members.” More specifically, domestic violence can include acts that place a person in fear of imminent and serious bodily injury, acts that do cause serious bodily harm to a person, assaults, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault or attempted sexual assault, stalking, and any kind of false imprisonment that interferes with a person’s freedom.

Given that Maryland takes domestic violence extremely seriously, it allows persons who have been the victims of domestic violence to seek something known as a “protective order.” A protective order is designed to protect that individual from any additional acts of domestic violence. If you need help, you should contact a Columbia protective order lawyer at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA as soon as possible.

What is a Protective Order in Howard County?

Protective orders are legal documents that are designed to prevent an abuser from perpetrating any further acts of abuse upon the victim. A judge hears a victim’s case and issues a protective order when it is necessary to prevent further abuse or violence. You might have heard protective orders described as “restraining orders.” This is another term that is used in some states to describe the same document. The important thing to remember is that a protective order has legal force, and it is issued by the court to prevent an abuser from engaging in any subsequent acts of abuse.

There are two different kinds of orders that are designed to prevent violence in Maryland. The protective order, as we mentioned, is for a family or household member (or a former family or household member). If you are being abused by a neighbor, a co-worker, or even a stranger, you can seek a “peace order” for protection.

Who Can Seek a Protective Order in Columbia?

Protective orders are designed for persons who are suffering domestic violence at the hands of a “family or household member.” To be eligible for a protective order, the alleged abuser must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Current spouse;
  • Former spouse;
  • Person with whom you have had an intimate relationship and have lived with for 90 days or more in the last year;
  • Person with whom you have had a sexual relationship in the year prior to your filing the petition for a protective order;
  • Person you are related to by blood, marriage, or adoption;
  • Person with whom you have resided for 90 days or more during the last year and with whom you share a child or a stepchild;
  • Person with whom you share a child; and/or
  • Person who acts as a caretaker for you.

Learn More from a Columbia Protective Order Lawyer

Family relationships should be healthy, happy, and productive. However, family relationships can become violent, putting adults and children at risk of serious harm. If you have been the victim of domestic violence, you should speak with a Howard County protective order lawyer to learn more about filing a petition for a protective order. Contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA online, or you can speak to us by phone at 410-766-0113.

Testimonials

Anne Arundel County

Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Phone: 410-766-0113

Fax: 410-766-0270

Howard County On the grounds of Columbia Mall

30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044

Phone: 410-964-0050

Baltimore County (Arbutus/Catonsville)

Phone: 410-719-7377

Fax: 410-766-0270