Violating a protective order is a criminal offense in Maryland. Once a court issues a protective order, the individual named in the order must strictly comply with its terms. Any action that violates the restrictions set by the court may result in additional criminal charges.
Violations may occur in a variety of ways. In some cases, a person may attempt to contact the protected individual despite the order prohibiting communication. In other situations, the alleged violation may involve going to a location that the protective order specifically prohibits. Even indirect contact, such as messages sent through another person, may be considered a violation under certain circumstances.
Law enforcement officers often treat protective order violations seriously because the court has already determined that restrictions were necessary to prevent further conflict or harm. As a result, allegations of violating a protective order may lead to immediate arrest and additional court proceedings.
A conviction for violating a protective order can result in fines, probation, or incarceration depending on the circumstances of the case. Because these violations can compound the legal issues already present in a domestic violence case, they often become a significant part of the overall legal process.