Protective Order Violation Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A protective order violation in Montgomery County is a serious criminal contempt charge under Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509. Penalties include up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges.
What Is a Protective Order Violation in Maryland?
In Maryland, violating a protective order is a criminal offense. The court issues a protective order to prevent contact or abuse. If you are accused of breaking any condition of that order—such as making contact, going to a prohibited location, or possessing a firearm—you can be charged with violation of a protective order. This charge is separate from the underlying issue that led to the order. It is prosecuted as contempt of court and carries its own penalties. The statute governing this is Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509. A conviction will appear on your criminal record.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official state law, see Md. Code, Family Law Article § 4-509 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are handled by the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Court Process for a PO Violation Charge
In Montgomery County, a protective order violation charge is typically heard in the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. The process begins with your arrest or receipt of a criminal summons. Your first court date is an arraignment, where you enter a plea. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County must prove you knowingly violated a valid court order. Common defenses include lack of knowledge, mistaken identity, or that the alleged contact was incidental or unintentional. An experienced violating protective order defense lawyer Montgomery County can challenge the evidence and negotiate for a favorable outcome.
- Receive the charging document (summons or statement of charges).
- Consult with a protective order violation lawyer Montgomery County before your arraignment.
- Attend your arraignment at the District Court in Rockville to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review the state’s evidence and identify potential defenses.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, probation before judgment (PBJ), or reduced charge.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for and proceed to a bench trial before a District Court judge.
Penalties for Violating a Protective Order in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, a protective order violation is a misdemeanor with penalties that escalate upon repeat offenses, including potential jail time and fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Violation | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible extension of original protective order. |
| Second Violation | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 5 days in jail if within 1 year of first conviction. |
| Subsequent Violations | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $2,500 | Increased mandatory jail time, potential felony charges if violence occurs. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Montgomery County Protective Order Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Montgomery County, we have a documented record of handling sensitive criminal matters, including protective order violations. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your rights and future. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, has personally amended Virginia state law, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to handle complex legal systems. This experience is invaluable when building a defense in Maryland courts.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has achieved 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our team, including Mr. Sris, works to secure dismissals, reductions, and alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a permanent conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Protective Order Violation Defense
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We are your local PO violation charge lawyer Montgomery County near Rockville Town Square and accessible via I-270 and I-495. We serve communities including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors, including some protective order violations, at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, such as the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors like protective order violations are tried at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Bail is set by the commissioner at the initial appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanors like protective order violation carry significant penalties—up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact our protective order violation lawyer Montgomery County team at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am accused of violating a protective order?
Do not contact the protected party. Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer. A protective order violation lawyer Montgomery County can advise you on the specific allegations, help you understand the court order’s terms, and begin building your defense before your first court date.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing related charges, explore our pages on DUI/DWI defense in Montgomery County and family law matters in Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a protective order violation charge in Montgomery County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.