Precinct 09 Domestic Violence Unit

What are Peace Orders?
What are Protection Orders?
What are Interim Protection Orders?
Be Prepared - How to prepare for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Coordinator

Officer Huber is the Domestic Violence Coordinator for Precinct 09.  She is a 16 year Veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department.  Officer Huber handles numerous cases involving Domestic Violence issues.  If you should have any questions you can contact Officer Huber by phone at 410-887-5035 or by e-mail at MJohnson@co.ba.md.us.

What is Domestic Violence?

Physical: Pushing, Hitting, Strangling, Use of weapons.

Sexual: Forcing unwanted sexual acts.

Emotional: Criticizing, Threatening, Intimidating, Stalking.

Economic: Refusing to give you money, refusing to let you go to work or school.

Be Prepared

• Listen to your instincts- if you fear you are in danger, you probably are.
• Go to a predetermined safe room and call the police and/or get out if you can.
• Plan and rehearse ways to escape.
• Pack an emergency bag with money, keys, important papers, extra clothes and prescription meds for you and your children.  Keep it in a safe place.
• Teach your children about a safety plan and use of 911.
• Document abuse/incidents of Violence by making a police report or keeping a journal.
• If you must communicate with the abuser, use a third party, such as a friend or family member.
• Know local numbers to local shelters.
• Educate yourself about getting a Protective Order and once you have one, keep a copy with you at all times(at work, in your car, at the daycare center.)

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What Is An Order Of Protection?

These are court orders that you can get without a lawyer, which can prevent the abuser from further contact with you.  The order can also get the abuser out of your home.

How Do I Get A Protective Order?

Step One:

• Go to a District or Circuit Court during normal business hours and ask the Civil Clerks's Desk for a petition for Protection. (For after hours and weekends, see "Interim Order" section.)
• You will complete the form and go in front of the Judge to explain why you feel threatened by the abuser.
• Be honest regarding recent and past incidents. Bring photos, medical reports or police reports.
• If the Judge feels there are reasonable grounds to believe the abuse has occurred, the Temporary Order will take effect once it is served to the abuser by a law enforcement officer.
• There is no fee.

Step Two: 

• A Final Protective Order Hearing will be held 7 days later.
• You may want to bring a lawyer, as the abuser may be there with a lawyer.
• The Judge needs "clear and convincing" evidence.
• The Judge may grant a Final Protective Order for up to 12 months, with a possible 6 month extension.
  

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Who Can Get A Protective Order?

You are eligible if you are being hurt or threatened by:

• A current or former spouse.
• Someone with whom you have a child in common.
• A cohabitant- someone you have lived with as a sexual partner for at least 90 days in the past year.
• Any person to whom you are related by blood, marriage or adoption.
• A parent, stepparent, child or stepchild you have lived with for at least 90 days in the past year.

What Protection Can I Get From a Protective Order?

The Judge may order the abuser to :

• Stop abuse or threats to abuse you.
• Stop contacting, attempting to contact and harassing you.
• Stay away from your home, work and/or school.
• Move out of the home where you live.
• Stay away from the daycare provider/school.
• Grant temporary custody of the children to you.
• Grant temporary use/possession of the home to you.
• Provide financial support.
• Surrender firearms.
  

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What is an Interim Order of Protection?

When the courts are closed, you can obtain an Interim Order of Protection:

Step 1: Interim Order
            Go to a District Court. Tell the Court Commissioner that you want to file an Interim Order.

Step 2: Temporary Protective Order
            A Judge at Towson District Court holds a follow-up hearing within 2 business days after court reopens.

Step 3: Final Protective Order
            Is Scheduled, unless the Judge combines with Temporary Protective Order.  You may want to consult a lawyer
            for this one.

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What are Peace Orders?

• You may be eligible for a Peace Order if you are a victim of dating violence, harrassment, stalking, trespass or maliciious destruction and are not eligible for a protective order.
• The process for filing is the same, except a Peace Order must be filed in District Court.
• The act must have occurred within 30 days before filing.
• There is a set fee which you can request be waived.
• The order lasts a maxium of 6 months.
• A peace order may be filed against a juvenile by contacting the department of Juvenile Services
• A Peace Order does not restrict the rights to firearms by either party.

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Revised June 30, 2005