It might start with a late-night text or a drive past their place "just to see." Breakups leave questions. But if one person moves on while the other can't, what feels like harmless contact can raise red flags. This can lead to serious accusations like stalking or harassment.
A stalking charge in Pennsylvania shakes up every part of your life. You may be served with a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order that limits your freedom, impacts child custody or even costs you your job. Worse, even if you're never convicted, the accusation itself can leave lasting scars on your personal and professional relationships.
In Beaver County, the stakes are high—and going it alone isn't an option. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team protects your future. We know the system, and we know how to push back. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form.
Beaver County Stalking Laws: What to Know
Under Pennsylvania law, stalking isn't just a one-time incident—it's a series of actions that cause fear, anxiety, or emotional harm.
The law may consider it stalking if you:
- Repeatedly contact someone by phone, text, or online after they've asked you not to.
- Track their movements in person or through apps or devices without consent.
- Visit their home or property without being welcomed, especially after being told to stay away.
- Use threats, offensive remarks, or hang around their usual spots in a way that causes fear or discomfort.
These actions can be considered stalking even without physical harm.
Key Elements of Stalking Include:
- Pattern of Behavior: More than one action that reflects ongoing or repeated conduct.
- Intent: The behavior is done to cause fear or emotional pain.
- Impact: The person on the receiving end suffers serious emotional strain or anxiety.
Stalking in Beaver County may start as a misdemeanor offense, but certain factors—such as a previous conviction, an associated assault, or a violation of a PFA—can lead to felony charges and far more severe penalties.
Harassment or Stalking? Know the Legal Difference
Degree is the big difference between stalking and harassment. Harassment is about unwanted behavior that annoys, alarms, or bothers someone. Stalking goes further—it involves repeated actions meant to intimidate, cause fear, or inflict emotional or physical harm.
The Levels of Stalking Charges and Penalties
Stalking is usually classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. But if there's a prior domestic violence conviction or an active PFA order, it can be upgraded to a third-degree felony—with penalties rising to 7 years behind bars and fines up to $15,000. When threats or intimidation are involved, the charges can become even more serious.
How Stalking Charges Can Lead to PFAs
A criminal stalking charge in Beaver County can lead to more than just jail time or fines—it could also bring a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order. PFAs are designed to shield victims from harm and can be filed in stalking cases, even if criminal charges are never pursued. Unlike criminal cases, getting a PFA only requires a "preponderance of the evidence"—meaning it's easier to get one than a criminal conviction.
A PFA order can impact your life in many ways:
- Eviction: The court may order you to vacate a shared home, even if they have legal ownership or are listed on the lease.
- No Contact: A PFA order forbids communication with the complainant, including indirect contact through friends, family, or other third parties. This also typically includes staying a specified distance—such as 100 yards—away from their home, workplace, or school.
- Temporary Custody: The court may grant temporary custody of children to the plaintiff during the proceedings.
- Firearm Restrictions: If a PFA is issued, you may be required to turn over firearms, with penalties for failure to comply.
- Professional Impact: A PFA can affect employment, particularly in careers that involve working with vulnerable individuals. While PFAs are not automatically posted online in Pennsylvania, they can be accessed by the public if there's a legitimate reason, and the court will usually provide the record upon request.
- Limited Access to Personal Property: A PFA can restrict your access to personal belongings, such as clothing, vehicles, documents, electronics, or even pets. Essential items for work, medical needs, or day-to-day life may also be off-limits.
A PFA could change everything—don't risk it.
Who's Eligible to Apply for a PFA in Pennsylvania? You Might Be Surprised!
A PFA isn't for everyone—Pennsylvania law sets clear boundaries on who can ask for protection. The Domestic Relations section targets those with close, intimate ties—think family, household, or shared parenthood. It's not a catch-all; it applies to these scenarios:
- Relatives: Parents, children, siblings, or any individuals connected by blood or marriage.
- Romantic Partners: Current or former spouses, partners, or anyone previously involved in an intimate relationship.
- Co-Parents: Parents who share children, regardless of marital status, can seek a PFA.
For a PFA to be granted under this section, certain acts must be shown:
- Actual or threatened physical injury (such as assault, sexual assault, or serious harm).
- Behavior that creates fear of imminent harm or injury.
- False imprisonment or abusive actions, including domestic violence or child abuse.
Strangers, colleagues, or casual acquaintances aren't covered under this section—it's for close relationships only.
PSVI (Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation)
Pennsylvania recently broadened the eligibility for PFAs to include victims of sexual violence or intimidation, even if there is no domestic or family relationship.
- Sexual Violence: Involves sexual offenses—such as rape or sexual assault—committed by individuals who are not part of the victim's household or family. These cases fall outside the scope of domestic relations laws.
- Intimidation: This applies when an adult (18 or older) engages in stalking or harassing behavior toward a minor. This includes individuals who are not related to or living with the victim.
This law covers threats and abuse—even when the accused isn't family or living under the same roof.
How is a PFA Issued in Beaver County?
The PFA Office can be found at the Beaver County Courthouse, located at 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. The Courthouse is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays. Their phone number is 724-728-5700.
Remember—a temporary PFA order can be issued without anybody even notifying you! You could be barred from contact or your home before you even know a PFA was filed. Temporary PFAs last until your day in court—usually within 10 business days—where both sides present their case, and a judge decides if it sticks.
No matter what happens with the temp order, both parties head to court—where the judge can issue a final PFA lasting up to three years.
Keep Records. Your Future Could Depend on It
Accused of stalking? Save everything—texts, emails, timestamps. It could make or break your case. Here are examples:
- Eyewitness accounts (try to make a video or at least an audio recording)
- Voicemails
- Medical records related to any injuries
- Photos supporting your side of the story
- Social media posts or messages (screenshot these before they get deleted!)
- Call logs and phone records
- Screenshots of text messages
- Video recordings
- Any written threats
A lawyer can tell you what to keep and what to ignore. Don't go it alone.
What Happens if You Violate a PFA?
A PFA violation—even an accidental one—can land you in serious trouble. Here's a list of things to absolutely avoid when a PFA order is in place:
- Never reach out to the accuser, even with good intentions—texts or calls can be misinterpreted.
- If you cross paths with the accuser by chance, keep your distance and keep moving.
- Avoid using a third party to pass messages; it's still a violation.
- Don't pretend you didn't understand the PFA's terms—ignorance isn't an excuse.
- Destroying or hiding evidence could backfire and make your situation worse.
- Don't accept any invitations from your accuser to talk things over—it's not worth the risk.
- Don't interfere with witnesses or try to influence anyone's testimony—it's illegal.
Even if your accuser backs off or wants to make peace, the legal process is already in motion—stick to the rules to protect yourself. Remember, they got you in this situation to begin with.
Penalties for violating a PFA include:
- Fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
- Up to 6 months in jail for each violation.
- Additional criminal charges, such as stalking or harassment, if the violation involves other illegal actions.
If the violation involves criminal behavior, you can face longer jail sentences and additional charges.
Consequences for Filing a False Petition
Some people misuse PFAs as a weapon in divorce or custody fights. A skilled lawyer can expose the hidden motives behind false accusations. If it's proven that a person knowingly filed a false Protection from Abuse petition against you, they could be charged with the following offenses:
1. Perjury
2. False swearing
3. Unsworn falsification
4. Filing false reports to law enforcement
Lying to the court comes with a high price.
Protect Your Future: Contact the LLF Law Firm Team Today
It's overwhelming, but don't forget—your rights still matter. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team offers defense strategies for clients in Beaver County. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form to get started.
