Pennsylvania Protective Orders Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed June 06, 2025
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Courts use protection orders to shield victims of domestic violence from further abuse. The Pennsylvania courts also use these orders to protect stalking victims.
In Pennsylvania, as in most states, a protection order is similar to any other court order. Only a judge can issue a protection from abuse order (PFA), which is enforceable by the court. Most protection orders dictate that an abusive spouse may not come within a certain distance of the petitioner and their minor children.
This article explains how protective order laws work in Pennsylvania and the types of orders you can request. It examines who can file a PFA petition and how the court determines if a final PFA is warranted. It finishes up by describing the behaviors the courts prohibit in a standard PFA order.
Types of Protective Orders Available in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the Court of Common Pleas grants protection from abuse orders. Typically, the court issues a temporary order before a final protection order. After the temporary PFA is issued, the court schedules a final hearing, at which the magisterial district judge determines whether to grant the petitioner’s request.
Under Pennsylvania’s Protection From Abuse Act, petitioners can apply for the following types of protection orders:
- Emergency Protection Order - The court issues this type of order when the petitioner is in immediate need of protection from sexual violence, abuse, or domestic violence. The victim should contact the local law enforcement agency or the CAPSEA hotline to request assistance in getting an emergency protection order. This order is only in effect for one day. The court will hold a hearing the next business day to determine whether it should issue a temporary PFA order. If it issues this order, there will be a formal PFA hearing before the presiding judge.
- Ex Parte Order of Protection - This is a temporary order to protect abuse victims. The judge can issue the order after hearing the petitioner’s side of the story. If the judge grants an ex parte protection order, it will notify the defendant. They must attend a hearing on the merits within ten days of the ex parte order.
- Final Protection From Abuse Order - If the court determines the petitioner has a reasonable fear of bodily injury at the hands of the defendant, it will issue a final PFA. These last up to three years.
- Protection from Intimidation Order (PFI) - A PFI is for victims who are under the age of 18 and have an abuser over the age of 18. The two cannot be family members, household members, or involved in an intimate relationship. The victim does not have to press criminal charges to receive a PFI.
- Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) - Under Pennsylvania’s Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act, a petitioner can request an SVPO. There is no need for the victim to file criminal charges. All they must demonstrate is that they’re the victim of sexual violence or sexual intimidation and that the defendant is responsible.
Pennsylvania’s Protection Order Laws: Recap
The table below outlines Pennsylvania’s laws on protection orders. If you’re the victim of domestic abuse, knowing these laws can help you understand what your options are. You can also seek legal advice before filing your petition.
See FindLaw's Domestic Violence: Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders article for more information. If you're in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or seek aid from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788.
Pennsylvania Protection Orders Laws Code Section |
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated Sections 23 §6102, et seq. |
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Activities Addressed by Pennsylvania Protection Orders |
Orders of protection address a variety of activities. The following are examples of what orders address:
|
Duration of Pennsylvania Protection Orders |
|
Penalty for a Violation of a Pennsylvania Protection Order |
The court treats violations as indirect criminal contempt. Offenders may be fined $300 to $1,000 and face up to six months in jail or supervised probation. |
Who May Apply for a Pennsylvania Protection Order? |
The following people may apply for orders of protection:
|
Fee for an Order of Protection |
There is no fee for a Pennsylvania Protection Order. |
Order Transmission to Law Enforcement |
The court will send a copy of the order to the Pennsylvania State Police within eight hours. Within 24 hours, the court will also enter a copy of the order into the Statewide registry of protection orders. If the court makes any amendments to or revokes the order, it will update the Statewide registry. |
Civil Liability for Violation of Order |
Civil contempt |
Have Questions About Protective Orders? Get Legal Help From a Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence is traumatic and frightening for the abuse victim and their family. It can be overwhelming to pursue an order of protection. Consider contacting a domestic violence lawyer near you. They can help you pursue an order of protection and provide resources to assist you with safety planning.
If the court has named you in an order of protection, you may want to contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer. Violating this order can result in harsh consequences, including jail and heavy fines. A defense attorney can help you challenge the order or appear in court on your behalf.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Pennsylvania attorneys offer free consultations.
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