July 1, 2026 - by MSBA Staff

Navigating Civil Protection Orders: Strategy, Procedure, and Trauma-Informed Advocacy

In Maryland, proceedings to obtain peace and protective order move quickly, leaving little room for error. Because these matters frequently involve an intersection of family and criminal law and specific evidentiary rules, it is critical that attorneys handling these high-stakes cases develop effective strategies well before they set foot in a court room. 

To help you navigate these proceedings, the MSBA is hosting a new virtual presentation: Handling Peace and Protective Order Cases in Maryland on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..

This half-day program provides 4.0 hours of CLE credit for surrounding MCLE states and delivers the practical framework you need to represent clients with confidence.

Key Areas of Focus

Representing a client in a peace or protective order hearing involves much more than just filing the initial paperwork. This course dives into the core mechanics of handling these cases from start to finish, highlighting:

  • Trauma-Informed Practice: Learn how trauma alters memory and narrative clarity, and discover practical ways to interview survivors and prepare clients to testify under pressure.
  • Evidentiary Standards: Get a clear breakdown of the differing burdens of proof required at each stage, from emergency temporary relief to final, long-term orders.
  • The Case Lifecycle: Walk through the procedural steps of these hearings, including essential post-trial strategies and the intersection of protection orders with custody and financial support issues.

As an added benefit, all program registrants unlock an exclusive 10% discount on our brand-new publication, Protective & Peace Order Cases in Maryland: A Practice Manual.

Learn on Your Own Time

Can’t make it on on July 15th? You don't have to miss out on these critical insights. This virtual presentation will be recorded and added to MSBA’s on-demand learning catalog within 10 days of the live broadcast. Pre-purchase the on-demand format here to learn at your convenience.

Secure Your Spot

Whether you are looking to build a foundation in civil protection law or refine your existing courtroom tactics, this program can help you become a better advocate for your clients. Register here for Handling Peace and Protective Order Cases in Maryland.