Maryland Just Made It Easier to Get a Permanent Protective Order — Here’s How

Maryland has made some changes to how permanent protective orders are granted. For years, there was a frustrating gap in the law where, unless the abuser was convicted of specific crimes, there was no option for long-term protection. A relatively recent statute now allows survivors to get a permanent protection order based on the evidence of abuse, not a separate conviction.

At RPM Law, our Maryland protection order attorneys are here to help. We help you seek the protection order you need, whether it needs to be permanent or for a period of time.  

What Changed in Maryland’s Protective Order Law

The big change is that survivors no longer need a qualifying criminal conviction to request a permanent protective order. Instead, they can obtain one if a judge finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent committed an act of abuse that would qualify for a final protective order.

Previously, permanent orders were limited to cases involving:

• First- or second-degree assault
• Attempted murder
• Rape or sexual offenses
• Other serious crimes resulting in conviction

This left many survivors without long-term protection even after enduring repeated violence. Now, Maryland courts can issue permanent orders based on the same standard used for final protective orders, a civil burden of proof that does not require criminal charges or a conviction.

Who Can Now Qualify for a Permanent Protective Order

Under the updated law, a survivor may qualify for a permanent protective order if:

• They already have a final protective order in place.
• The respondent committed an act of abuse that meets Maryland’s statutory definition.
• The court determines that ongoing protection is necessary to prevent future harm.

Maryland’s definition of “abuse” includes acts such as assault, stalking, threats of harm, false imprisonment, and certain forms of harassment. Because the law now mirrors the criteria for final protective orders, many survivors who previously fell outside the narrow conviction-based criteria can now pursue permanent protection.

How to Request a Permanent Protective Order in Maryland

The process is more accessible than ever. Here’s how it works:

1. Start with a Final Protective Order 

A survivor must first have a final protective order in place. These orders typically last up to one year, though they can be extended.

2. File a Petition for a Permanent Protective Order 

The petition is filed in the same court that issued the final protective order. Survivors can file on their own or with the help of an attorney or domestic violence advocate.

3. Present Evidence of Abuse 

Because the law no longer requires a criminal conviction, survivors can rely on:

• Testimony
• Photos or messages
• Medical records
• Police reports
• Witness statements

The judge will evaluate whether the evidence shows that the respondent committed qualifying abuse.

4. Attend the Court Hearing 

Both parties have the opportunity to appear. If the respondent does not appear, the court may still issue the order based on the evidence presented.

5. Receive the Permanent Protective Order 

If granted, the order remains in effect indefinitely unless the survivor requests termination or the court finds good cause to modify it.

What a Permanent Protective Order Can Include

A permanent protective order can provide long-term safety and stability. Common provisions include:

• No contact of any kind
• Stay-away requirements for home, workplace, or school
• Firearm surrender
• Custody and visitation terms
• Financial support directives
• Counseling or treatment requirements

Because the order is permanent, survivors no longer need to return to court every year to renew protection. This is a major relief for those who have endured repeated trauma.

Get Help with a Protective Order Request in Maryland

Getting a permanent protective order is easier than it was, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to do. There is still a high burden of proof you must meet to show you’re entitled to one. This is all subject to strict rules of procedure and evidence. Luckily, you don’t have to handle it by yourself. 

Our team at RPM Law are ready to help with your family law needs. Contact us today for a consultation.