Protective Order Violation Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A protective order violation in Prince George’s County is a serious criminal contempt charge under Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of violating a protective order.
What Is a Protective Order Violation in Maryland?
In Maryland, a protective order (also called a restraining order) is a court order that prohibits one person from contacting, harassing, or approaching another. A violation occurs when the respondent is accused of disobeying any term of that order. This is not a simple civil matter; it is prosecuted as a criminal contempt charge. The statute governing violations is Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and family court matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and forms are available at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Defending a PO Violation Charge in Prince George’s County
An accusation is not proof. The prosecution must prove you willfully violated a valid, properly served protective order beyond a reasonable doubt. Common defenses include lack of proper service (you never received the order), lack of intent (the contact was accidental), mistaken identity, or false allegations. In Prince George’s County District Court, these cases move quickly. An experienced PO violation charge lawyer Prince George’s County can immediately file motions to challenge the evidence, negotiate for a favorable disposition, or prepare for a contested hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a protective order violation lawyer Prince Georges County immediately after being charged or served with a show cause order.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain the protective order, police report, and any evidence (texts, emails, witness statements) to identify defense strategies.
- Court Appearance: You must appear for the contempt hearing at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro. Your lawyer will represent you.
- Defense Strategy: Your attorney may file motions, negotiate for dismissal or a favorable plea, or advocate for you at a trial before a judge.
- Resolution: The goal is to avoid a contempt conviction, which may involve a dismissal, probation before judgment (PBJ), or a finding of not guilty.
- Long-Term Planning: If the underlying protective order remains in effect, your lawyer can advise on modification or dismissal proceedings in family court.
Potential Penalties for Violating a Protective Order
In Prince George’s County, a first-time protective order violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine; subsequent violations within one year can lead to up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Violation | Criminal Contempt (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible extension of original protective order. |
| Subsequent Violation (within 1 year) | Criminal Contempt (Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year | Up to $2,500 | Enhanced penalties, stronger likelihood of jail time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of a criminal contempt charge and the urgency required in Prince George’s County District Court. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We provide focused, assertive representation for clients facing protective order violation charges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our legal team, led by Kristen Fisher and supported by firm founder Mr. Sris, has a proven record of achieving positive results for clients in Maryland. While every case is unique, our approach is consistent: we meticulously review the facts, challenge weak evidence, and advocate vigorously for our clients’ rights. We have successfully defended clients against charges of violating protective orders, often securing dismissals or favorable plea agreements that avoid jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Legal Support for Prince George’s County
Our Maryland office represents clients at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro. We serve communities throughout the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Protective Order Violations
What should I do if I am accused of violating a protective order in Prince George’s County?
Do not contact the protected person. Immediately call a protective order violation lawyer Prince Georges County. Exercise your right to remain silent with police. Your attorney will review the order and the allegations to build your defense for the contempt hearing in District Court.
Can I go to jail for a first-time protective order violation in Maryland?
Yes. A first violation is punishable by up to 90 days in jail. While jail is not automatic, the risk is real. An experienced violating protective order defense lawyer Prince George’s County can argue for alternatives like probation, especially if there are weaknesses in the state’s case.
What is the difference between a peace order and a protective order violation?
Both are court orders, but protective orders stem from family or household relationships, while peace orders apply to others (neighbors, acquaintances). Violating either is criminal contempt under different statutes (Family Law Art. § 4-509 for protective orders; Courts & Judicial Proceedings Art. § 3-1508 for peace orders). The penalties are similar.
What if the contact was accidental or I didn’t know about the order?
Lack of willful intent and lack of proper service are valid defenses. The state must prove you knowingly violated the order. A PO violation charge lawyer Prince George’s County can present evidence that you did not receive the order or that the alleged contact was unintentional (e.g., a chance encounter in public).
Can a protective order violation be expunged from my record in Maryland?
It depends. A conviction for criminal contempt from a protective order violation is generally not eligible for expungement. However, if the charge is dismissed, you are found not guilty, or you receive a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), expungement may be possible after the waiting period. An attorney can advise on your specific situation.
If you need a protective order violation lawyer Prince Georges County, contact us today. We also handle related matters like criminal defense in Prince George’s County and family law cases. For a broader view of our services, see our Maryland criminal defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current advice regarding your specific case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.