WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Important: Some courts are hearing cases virtually due to COVID. See our FAQ on Courts and COVID-19.

Legal Information: Maryland

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
November 10, 2020

How will a judge make a decision about whether or not to grant the order?

The judge may grant an interim, temporary, or final extreme risk protective if the respondent shows an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to him/herself, you, or others by having firearms. When deciding whether the respondent is a risk of immediate and present danger, the judge will consider factors such as:

  • alarming behavior and statements;
  • unlawful firearm possession;
  • reckless or negligent firearm use;
  • violence or threats of violence to him/herself or others;
  • violating peace or protective orders;
  • drug and/or alcohol abuse; and/or
  • information contained in health records.1

1 MD Code, Public Safety § 5-602(a)(1); Maryland Courts website, “Extreme Risk Protective Orders”

Legal Information

© 2008–2020 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.