PA Legislator Seeks to Increase Penalties for PFA Order Violations in the State

July 14, 2025

Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders are meant to grant domestic violence survivors or victims temporary or long-lasting reprieve from their abusers. Unfortunately, even with these court orders, defendants have been known to violate them. While there may be several reasons for these actions, there’s the possibility that mild PFA violation penalties could be a contributory factor.

To fix this problem, a Pennsylvania lawmaker, House Rep. Sheryl Delozier, is drafting legislation to increase the penalties for PFA violations within the state. This law specifically targets repeat offenders previously held in indirect criminal contempt due to a PFA violation. This law, if passed, will provide additional protection to DV survivors.

If you’re a DV survivor seeking temporary or permanent PFA, the Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you seek adequate protections and enforcement.

Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case.

Penalties for PFA Violations in PA

In Pennsylvania, violating a PFA order can result in one or more of the following penalties:

  • Monetary fine between $300 and $1,000
  • Up to six months supervised probationary period
  • Up to 6 months’ jail term

Additionally, the plaintiff may lose custody of their child, if any, be subject to supervised visitation rights, and experience a possible loss of civil liberty rights, such as owning a firearm. Yet, these do not deter some individuals from still violating PFA orders. This is why Delozier is pushing for this new legislation.

Understanding the PFA Order Process in Pennsylvania

DV victims can seek relief from abuse by filing an ex parte temporary PFA order. This is often granted without needing to hear from the defendant and is valid for 10 days. The court will then set a date within the 10 days for a permanent PFA hearing during which both the plaintiff and the defendant can make their case for why the PFA should be granted or vacated.

Upon hearing both sides during the PFA hearing, the court will decide whether to institute a permanent PFA order against the defendant or not. Plaintiffs who want to ensure the indefinite status of their protection order stand a better chance by obtaining skilled legal representation from experienced PFA attorneys like the Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm.

Your lawyers will help make the case for why the PFA order should be permanent, referencing your well-being and safety, as well as that of your children, where applicable.

Get Experienced PFA Order Lawyers in PA

Although filing a PFA order may seem easy, there are too many technicalities or issues that can complicate your filing or request.

To avoid any complications and ensure your PFA order filing is in your favor, seek legal representation from experienced Protection from Abuse attorneys in Pennsylvania.

The Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help ensure your PFA order is filed quickly and without any issues. We’ll provide competent and experienced legal guidance, support, and counsel that’ll help keep you and your children safe.

Call 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form to discuss your case.

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