Peace & Protective Order Attorney
Experienced Representation for Peace Orders and Protective Orders
in Baltimore and throughout central Maryland
Being served with a Peace Order or Protective Order can have immediate and significant consequences. These court orders can affect where you live, your ability to see your children, your right to possess firearms, and even your employment. Likewise, if you are the victim of abuse, harassment, or threats, obtaining the appropriate court order can be essential to protecting your safety.
Jennifer Matthews Law represents both petitioners seeking protection and respondents defending against allegations in Peace Order and Protective Order proceedings throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. With over 25 years of experience in Maryland’s criminal justice system, Jennifer has served as both an Assistant State’s Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender, giving her valuable insight into how these cases are presented and decided in court.
Whether you need help obtaining protection or defending yourself against allegations, Jennifer Matthews Kafes provides experienced, compassionate, and strategic legal representation.
Jennifer’s background as both an Assistant State’s Attorney and Assistant Public Defender gives her a unique perspective that few attorneys possess.
You’ll work directly with Jennifer throughout your case, receiving personalized attention and responsive communication from start to finish.
Clients trust Jennifer to provide aggressive advocacy focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every case.
Understanding Peace Orders and Protective Orders
Although they are similar, Peace Orders and Protective Orders apply to different types of relationships and situations under Maryland law.
Choosing the correct type of order – and understanding your rights and responsibilities – is essential.
Protective Orders
A Protective Order is generally available when the parties have a qualifying relationship, such as:
- Current or former spouses
- Individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption
- Parents of a shared child
- Current or former cohabitants
- Individuals in certain dating relationships
- Vulnerable adults
- Other qualifying family or household members as defined by Maryland law
Protective Orders are commonly sought in cases involving allegations of:
- Domestic violence
- Assault
- Threats of violence
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
- False imprisonment
Peace Orders
A Peace Order may be available when the parties do not have a qualifying domestic relationship.
Peace Orders are often requested in situations involving:
- Neighbors
- Acquaintances
- Coworkers
- Roommates
- Strangers
- Other individuals who do not qualify for a Protective Order
These cases may involve allegations of:
- Harassment
- Trespassing
- Stalking
- Threats
- Malicious destruction of property
- Assault
Seeking a Peace or Protective Order
If you have been threatened, assaulted, harassed, or fear for your safety, Jennifer Matthews Kafes can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of requesting a Peace Order or Protective Order.
She can assist with:
- Filing the petition
- Preparing evidence
- Organizing witness testimony
- Representing you at temporary and final hearings
- Explaining what to expect throughout the legal process
Jennifer understands how emotionally difficult these situations can be and works to provide compassionate guidance while protecting your legal interests.
Defending Against a Peace or Protective Order
Being served with a Peace Order or Protective Order does not mean the allegations have been proven. However, failing to take the matter seriously can have lasting consequences.
Jennifer Matthews Kafes represents individuals who have been accused of:
- Domestic violence
- Assault
- Harassment
- Threats
- Stalking
- Other conduct supporting a Peace or Protective Order
She carefully examines the facts, evaluates the evidence, prepares witnesses, and presents a strong defense during the hearing.
Consequences of an Order
Depending on the circumstances, a court order may:
- Require you to leave your home
- Restrict contact with another person
- Affect child custody or visitation
- Prohibit firearm possession
- Require you to surrender firearms
- Affect employment opportunities
- Appear in certain background checks
- Influence related family law or criminal cases
Because these consequences can be significant, experienced legal representation is essential whether you are seeking or defending against an order.
When Criminal Charges Are Also Involved
Many Peace Order and Protective Order cases occur alongside criminal charges such as:
- Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Trespassing
- Property destruction
- Violations of existing court orders
Statements made during a Peace Order or Protective Order hearing may affect a related criminal case. Jennifer Matthews Kafes carefully considers the interaction between these proceedings and develops a strategy designed to protect your interests in both courtrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Peace Order and a Protective Order?
The primary difference is the relationship between the parties. Protective Orders generally apply to family members, household members, and certain dating relationships, while Peace Orders are available when those qualifying relationships do not exist.
What happens if I violate a Peace Order or Protective Order?
Violating a court order can result in additional legal consequences, including criminal charges. It is important to understand and comply with all terms of the order while seeking legal advice.
Can I fight a Protective Order if the allegations are false?
Yes. You have the right to appear at the final hearing, present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the allegations made against you.
Temporary orders are often issued quickly based on limited evidence.
The Final Protective Order Hearing or Final Peace Order Hearing is your opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the allegations before a judge.
Jennifer Matthews helps clients prepare by:
- Reviewing all available evidence
- Preparing testimony
- Identifying witnesses
- Challenging inconsistent statements
- Presenting persuasive legal arguments
- Protecting constitutional and procedural rights
Jennifer’s courtroom experience allows her to effectively advocate for clients during these important hearings.
Do I need an attorney for a Peace Order hearing?
Although you are not required to have an attorney, these hearings can have serious legal consequences. Experienced legal representation can help protect your rights and ensure your case is effectively presented.
Can a Peace or Protective Order affect my gun rights?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances and the type of order issued, you may be prohibited from possessing firearms and may be required to surrender them while the order is in effect.
What evidence should I bring to my hearing?
Helpful evidence may include text messages, emails, photographs, videos, medical records, social media posts, phone records, and witness testimony. Jennifer Matthews can help determine what evidence may strengthen your case.