What Happens if You’re Accused of Violating a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order

If you’ve been accused of violating a PFA order in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, it’s critical to understand what the law says, what the penalties are, and how a criminal defense attorney can help defend your rights and freedom.

What Is a PFA Order?

A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a civil court order issued by a judge to protect someone who claims they are a victim of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or threats. PFAs are often filed against:

• Spouses or former spouses

• Domestic partners

• Dating partners or exes

• Parents of shared children

• Family members or people living in the same household

A PFA order may prohibit you from:

• Having any contact with the plaintiff (in person, phone, text, or online)

• Coming near their home, work, or school

• Owning or possessing firearms

• Contacting your children if they’re included in the order

How PFA Violations Are Prosecuted in Pennsylvania

Violating a PFA order is a criminal offense under 23 Pa. C.S. § 6114, even though the PFA itself is a civil order. If the protected person claims you contacted them or broke the terms in any way, you can be arrested immediately—even without a warrant.

Common alleged violations include:

• Sending text messages or DMs

• Showing up at the person’s house or workplace

• Third-party contact through friends or family

• Making social media posts that reference the person

• Accidental or incidental contact, such as running into them in public

Even if the contact was unintended or welcomed by the other person, you can still be arrested if you violated the court’s terms.

Penalties for Violating a PFA Order

A first violation of a PFA order is typically charged as a criminal contempt offense, which carries:

• Up to 6 months in jail

• A fine of up to $1,000

• Mandatory fingerprinting and DNA submission

• Loss of firearm rights

• A permanent entry on your criminal record

Repeat violations—or violations that involve threats, stalking, or violence—can result in additional charges, including harassment, terroristic threats, or even aggravated assault.

Do You Have to Intend to Violate the PFA?

No. PFA orders are strict liability orders, which means:

• Intent doesn’t matter—violating the terms, even accidentally, can result in criminal charges

• The person protected by the PFA cannot “waive” the order

• Only the court can modify or terminate a PFA

So if the protected party reaches out to you or asks to meet up, it is still illegal to respond unless the court has officially changed the order.

Defenses Against PFA Violation Allegations

A strong defense depends on the facts of your case, but a skilled criminal defense attorney may argue:

✅ The contact was unintentional (e.g., accidental run-in at a store)
✅ No violation occurred (false allegation or misidentification)
✅ You were unaware of the PFA or its specific terms
✅ The order was vague or ambiguous
✅ The accusation is being used as leverage in a custody or divorce case

Your attorney can request surveillance footage, phone records, or witness testimony to challenge the allegations.

What Should You Do If Accused?

If you’ve been accused of violating a PFA:

• Do not contact the protected person to “clear things up”

• Do not respond to text messages or calls from them

• Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately

• Bring a copy of the PFA order to your consultation

• Save any evidence that supports your side (texts, call logs, video, etc.)

An experienced attorney can appear at your hearing, argue for dismissal or reduced penalties, and protect your record from long-term damage.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If you're facing accusations of violating a Protection From Abuse order in Pennsylvania, take it seriously. With over 30 years of experience handling domestic-related cases in Philadelphia and beyond, Mark D. Hauser will work to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.