What is a peace order in Maryland?

A peace order is a civil court order for people who do not qualify for a protective order but need the court to stop specific unwanted or harmful conduct. Peace orders are common where the parties are neighbors, classmates, coworkers, acquaintances, or otherwise outside the protective‑order relationships.

Updated for 2025

Who can request a peace order?

• Peace orders are for non‑qualifying relationships. If a person is eligible for a protective order based on the relationship, they should use that process instead.
• Juvenile respondents are handled outside the peace‑order process.
• Employers can petition for peace‑order relief to protect an employee at the workplace.

Acts that can support a peace order (within 30 days)

You must allege that one or more acts happened within 30 days before filing. Common examples include:

• Serious bodily harm or fear of imminent serious bodily harm
• Assault (any degree) or false imprisonment
• Harassment or stalking
• Trespass
• Malicious destruction of property
• Misuse of telephone
• Misuse of electronic communications
• Non‑consensual image distribution (often called “revenge porn”)
• Visual surveillance

Process and timelines

• Filing: File with a commissioner when court is closed (interim stage), or with the District Court when court is open.
• Interim peace order (commissioner): Effective until the temporary hearing, or until the second business day the court is open.
• Temporary peace order (judge): Generally up to 7 days after service; may be extended up to 30 days to complete service or for good cause.
• Final peace order (judge): Typically 6 months; may be extended up to another 6 months for good cause.
• Scope: Relief is limited to what is minimally necessary to protect the petitioner (or the petitioner’s employee).

What relief can the court order?

• No contact; no harassment; no threats
• Stay‑away from the home, temporary residence, workplace, or school
• No entry into a petitioner’s residence

The exact terms depend on the petition, the evidence, and the judge’s findings.

Violations and enforcement

• Violating an interim, temporary, or final peace order is a crime. Learn more: Violation of Peace Order.
  • First offense: up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine
  • Second or later offense: up to 1 year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine
• Police may arrest with or without a warrant when they have probable cause to believe a violation occurred while an order is active.

Peace orders and criminal cases

• Peace orders often parallel criminal allegations (e.g., assault, harassment, stalking). Statements at the hearing can be used later.
• Talk with a lawyer before testifying if there is any risk of self‑incrimination.

What to do next

• If served: Read every page; follow all terms immediately; do not contact the other person; gather screenshots, messages, and witnesses.
• If seeking relief: Write down dates, save evidence, and consider seeking an interim order from a commissioner if court is closed.

Related resources

• Protective orders
• Protective vs Peace Order: Quick Guide
• Domestic violence defense
• Recent arrest
• Telephone misuse

Ready to talk through your options? Contact us for a free consultation. We will map the likely path, hearing strategy, and options to protect your rights and record.