Restraining Orders

You can file for a peace order if one or more of the following acts has happened within 30 days before you file for the order:

• an act that causes serious bodily harm;
• an act that places you in fear of immediate serious bodily harm;
• assault in any degree;
• false imprisonment;
• harassment;
• stalking, which includes the use of a tracking device or electronic communication as defined by law;
• trespass;
• malicious destruction of property
• misuse of telephone facilities and equipment;
• misuse of electronic communication or interactive computer service;
• revenge porn;
• visual surveillance;
• visual surveillance with prurient intent; or
• camera surveillance.¹

An employer can file for a peace order if any of the above acts happened to their employee at the employee’s workplace. However, the employer has to notify the employee before filing the petition. The employer cannot retaliate against an employee who doesn’t want to provide information or testify in court.²

Note: You can file in Maryland if one of the above acts happened in Maryland or if you or your employee live in Maryland but the act(s) happened in another state.³

¹ MD Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1503(a)(1)
² MD Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1503(e)(1), (e)(3)
³ MD Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1503(a)(2)