How can I obtain a Peace Order against a Juvenile?

An intake officer for the Department of Juvenile Services receives requests from a person or an agency with knowledge of facts which may cause a juvenile to be subject to a peace order.  The intake officer makes an inquiry, which may or may not include an interview with the child who is the subject of the complaint, and within 25 days of receiving the complaint makes a decision to either authorize the filing of a juvenile petition for delinquency, a Juvenile Peace Order Request or both, propose an informal adjustment of the matter, or refuse to file a petition or request in the matter.

If the complaint alleges an act that which would be a felony if committed by an adult or involves and handgun and the intake officer either proposes an informal adjustment or refuses authorization to file a petition or peace order request, the intake officer must forward the complaint to the State's Attorney for Calvert County for review.  After a preliminary review, the State's Attorney, within 30 days of receipt, will decide to file a petition or peace order request, refer the complaint to DJS for informal disposition, or dismiss the complaint.

If the intake officer's inquiry or the State's Attorney review authorizes the filing of a Request for Juvenile Peace Order, a petition is prepared and sent to the Circuit Court for a hearing before a Judge.  The Judge makes the decision on whether or not to grant a peace order against a juvenile.

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Notice:  These questions represent some of those most frequently asked to the Calvert County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.  For questions regarding matters in other circuit courts, please contact that court directly.  For District Court or Traffic matters, please see the information located on the Judiciary website:  www.mdcourts.gov - click on District Court or contact your local District Court.
For legal advice, you  must consult an attorney.