The Maryland Petition for Contempt (Peace Order) is a legal remedy that can be used to protect individuals from threats or acts of violence. It is available to anyone who is a victim of physical violence, stalking, harassment, or other forms of abuse. The petition can be filed in the Circuit Court or District Court in the county where the petitioner or respondent resides. The petitioner must demonstrate to the court that the respondent has violated a court order or a provision of the Maryland Annotated Code that deals with peace orders. The court can then enter a peace order that prohibits the respondent from engaging in certain behaviors. The peace order can also require the respondent to stay away from the petitioner, their home, or place of employment. The two types of Maryland Petition for Contempt (Peace Order) are a Temporary Peace Order and a Final Peace Order. A Temporary Peace Order is an emergency order offered to protect the petitioner from immediate harm. It has a short-term duration of up to seven days and can be extended if necessary. A Final Peace Order is a more permanent solution that can last up to one year. It can be extended for a longer period if the court finds that it is necessary.