Enforcement of a PFA Order

Once a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is granted, it becomes a legally binding directive. Any violation—no matter how small it may seem—is a serious offense under Pennsylvania law. At Shane Scanlon Law, we help clients understand the scope of a PFA order and take immediate action if that order is violated.

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What Counts as a Violation?

A PFA can prohibit direct contact, indirect communication, or physical proximity to the protected person. Violations might include:

  • Showing up at the victim’s home, workplace, or school
  • Calling, texting, or using third parties to make contact
  • Sending gifts, emails, or social media messages
  • Refusing to surrender firearms or violating custody terms set by the order

Even a single text message can qualify as a breach if the order forbids communication.

Violating a PFA order can result in criminal charges, including arrest, jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In many cases, police are authorized to arrest without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a violation occurred. For the person protected by the order, this enforcement power can offer real peace of mind.

Police officers take PFA orders seriously—and they should. These orders are enforceable statewide, and law enforcement is trained to respond quickly when a report is made. Officers will typically remove the accused from the scene, file a report, and notify the courts. In urgent situations, your safety is the top priority.

If you believe someone has violated a PFA order, report it immediately to your local police department. Provide as much detail as possible—times, dates, screenshots, or witness accounts can all help. Our team can assist you with follow-up actions, including filing contempt charges or modifying your existing order for added protection.

ShaneScanlon

Protecting What Matters

You took an important step by seeking a PFA. If that order is not respected, the law is on your side—and so are we. Contact Shane Scanlon Law to take the next step and ensure your protection is enforced without compromise.

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Schedule a free no obligation consultation with Shane today!

Call 1.833.722.6566 or submit the contact form below.

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