protective order lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

When a protective order is sought in Prince George’s County, the matter moves through the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro, or through the Prince George’s County Circuit Court if the order is tied to an existing family law case. A protective order can restrict contact, require the surrender of firearms, and establish temporary custody or use-and-possession of a residence. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals on both sides of protective order proceedings — individuals seeking protection and individuals responding to a petition. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Protective Orders Mean in Prince George’s County

Under Maryland law, a protective order is a civil order issued by a court to protect a person from abuse by a family or household member, or by an individual with whom the person has had a sexual relationship. The court may grant relief including an order to refrain from abuse, an order to vacate a shared residence, temporary custody of children, temporary use of a vehicle, and other terms tailored to the situation. In Prince George’s County, petitions are filed with the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. — at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. If the parties have a pending divorce or custody matter in Circuit Court, the protective order proceeding may be heard there instead.

The county’s communities — from Upper Marlboro, Bowie, and College Park to Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Fort Washington, and beyond — are served by the firm’s Rockville location. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys regularly appear in Prince George’s County courts and understand the procedural expectations of the District and Circuit Court judges who handle protective order dockets. Because protective orders can immediately affect a person’s residence, contact with children, and firearm rights, having counsel who knows the local court process is important.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Protective Order Cases

Protective order proceedings move quickly. An interim order can be entered the same day a petition is filed, followed by a temporary order hearing within seven days and a final protective order hearing on a schedule set by the court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with clients at each stage — preparing for the hearing, organizing evidence, and presenting arguments that address the relevant legal standards. For individuals seeking protection, the focus is on building a clear, credible record. For respondents, the focus is on ensuring the factual record is developed fully so the court can evaluate both sides before making findings.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted domestic violence cases and understands how these matters are evaluated from both the bench and the advocate’s table. That experience, alongside Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor, provides a practical perspective on how a protective order hearing unfolds. The team approaches each matter by reviewing the petition, identifying potential evidentiary issues, and preparing clients to testify or to present witnesses. Results may vary. Based on the specific facts of each case.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring significant experience in Maryland family law and criminal matters, including protective order proceedings. The Rockville location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County and across Maryland. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a protective order in Maryland?

A protective order is a court-issued civil directive that prohibits one person from harming, contacting, or being near another person, and it may include additional terms regarding housing, custody, or property. In Maryland, protective orders are available to individuals who have experienced abuse — including physical harm, threats, stalking, or sexual assault — from a family member, household member, or intimate partner. The order can be entered on an interim, temporary, or final basis, depending on the stage of the court proceeding.

Who can file for a protective order in Prince George’s County?

An individual who has been subjected to abuse by a spouse, a relative by blood or marriage, a cohabitant, or someone with whom they have a child or a sexual relationship may file a petition for a protective order. The person filing, known as the petitioner, must describe the abuse and the relief requested. A petition can be filed at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County during regular business hours. If an emergency arises after hours, a petitioner may seek an interim order through a local commissioner’s office.

How do I file for a protective order in Prince George’s County?

File the petition at the Prince George’s County District Court in Upper Marlboro, where court staff provide forms and the court reviews the request the same day. The petitioner gives a written statement under oath describing the abuse and the relief needed. A judge then decides whether to enter an interim or temporary protective order and schedules a final hearing, usually within a week. Legal counsel can help prepare the petition, organize evidence, and represent the petitioner at the hearing.

What happens at a final protective order hearing?

At the final protective order hearing, both the petitioner and the respondent present evidence and testimony before a judge, who decides whether to extend the order for up to one year, alter its terms, or dismiss it. The hearing is typically held in District Court unless it is part of an ongoing Circuit Court family case. The standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence. Preparation includes gathering witness statements, police reports, medical records, photographs, and any electronic communications that may support or refute the allegations.

Can a protective order affect child custody or divorce proceedings?

Yes, a protective order can include temporary custody and visitation provisions that influence the direction of a parallel divorce or custody case. While a protective order is not a permanent custody determination, the findings made in a protective order proceeding may be used as evidence in a subsequent family law matter. Courts in Prince George’s County frequently consider any existing protective order terms when deciding pendente lite custody, visitation, and use-and-possession of the family residence during a divorce. For guidance on how a protective order intersects with your family law matter, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a protective order case?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but experienced counsel can present your position effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure the court considers all relevant facts. Protective order proceedings have legal and practical consequences — a final order can appear in a Maryland Judiciary Case Search, affect employment, and restrict firearm possession. Representing yourself without legal training can put you at a disadvantage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in Prince George’s County protective order matters. Contact the firm for a consultation at (888) 437-7747.

For clients in surrounding Maryland counties, see our related pages: Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County, MD | Family Law Attorney in Howard County, MD | Family Law Attorney in Anne Arundel County, MD | Family Law Attorney in Frederick County, MD | Family Law Attorney in Baltimore County, MD

For official information on protective orders and domestic violence resources, visit the Maryland Courts Domestic Violence Resources and the Maryland Judiciary Family Law Self-Help Center.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.