It might begin with a message sent at night or an impulsive drive past someone’s house. After a breakup, emotions run high, and boundaries can become unclear. If one person moves forward while the other reaches out repeatedly, those actions, however well-intended, can result in serious accusations like stalking or harassment.
If you’ve been accused of stalking in Pennsylvania, you could also face a Protection from Abuse order, or PFA. It’s a legal order meant to prevent contact with someone who says they feel threatened. That can mean you’re not allowed to call, text, or even be near the person. A PFA can affect custody, your job, and where you’re allowed to go.
In Lebanon County, the stakes are high—job, family, reputation—and going it alone isn’t wise. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team knows the system and how to push back. Whether it’s you or a loved one, our legal team is prepared to step in, protect your rights, and build a strong defense. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form.
Lebanon County Stalking Laws: What to Know
Under Pennsylvania law, stalking is a series of actions that cause fear, anxiety, or emotional harm. The law may consider it stalking if you:
- Continue to call, message, or reach out online after the person has clearly asked you to stop.
- Monitor their whereabouts—either in person or through technology—without their permission.
- Show up at their home or on their property when you’re not invited, especially if you’ve already been told to stay away.
- Make threatening or inappropriate comments, or repeatedly appear in places they frequent in a way that makes them feel uneasy or unsafe.
Even if no one is physically hurt, these behaviors may still be seen as stalking under Pennsylvania law.
Legal elements that make up stalking are:
- 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 Lebanon County may initially be charged as a misdemeanor; however, factors like past convictions, related assaults, or breaching a PFA can upgrade the offense to a felony, carrying more serious penalties.
What’s the Difference Between Harassment and Stalking?
What sets stalking apart from harassment is how serious the behavior is. Harassment covers unwanted acts that annoy or alarm a person. Stalking goes beyond that, involving persistent actions aimed at frightening or harming the victim.
Understanding Stalking Charges and Their Penalties
In most cases, stalking is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 5 years imprisonment and fines as high as $10,000. But if the accused has a prior domestic violence record or violates an existing PFA order, the offense can be elevated to a third-degree felony, with penalties up to 7 years in prison and $15,000 in fines. Charges may become more severe if threats or intimidation are involved.
The Link Between Stalking Charges and PFAs
A stalking charge in Lebanon County carries risks beyond potential jail time or fines. The alleged victim may seek a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order to keep themselves safe, which can be granted regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Because PFAs are decided based on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard—meaning the claim is more likely true than false—they are typically easier to secure than a criminal verdict.
A PFA order can impact your life in many ways:
- Eviction: You could be told to move out of a home you’ve lived in for years, even if your name’s on the lease or you legally own the place. That means packing up your things and finding somewhere else to live, often on short notice.
- No Contact: You’re not just barred from calling or texting the person who filed the PFA—you can’t even send messages through friends or family. You might also have to stay a certain distance away, like 100 yards, from their house, workplace, or school. So, grabbing your morning coffee near their office could suddenly be off limits.
- Temporary Custody: If you have kids, it gets even more complicated. The court might give temporary custody to the other parent during the PFA process, meaning your access to your children could be limited or supervised for a while.
- Firearm Restrictions: And if you own guns, a PFA often means you’ll have to hand them over to authorities. Failing to do so can lead to serious legal trouble.
- Professional Impact: Your job could also be at risk, especially if you work with vulnerable people like children, the elderly, or patients. Even though PFAs aren’t automatically posted online in Pennsylvania, certain employers or others with a legitimate reason can find out about the order through court records.
- Limited Access to Personal Property: A PFA can restrict you from getting your own stuff—clothes, your car, important papers, your phone, or even pets. Imagine not being able to grab your work uniform or medication because the order limits what you can access.
In short, a PFA isn’t just a piece of paper—it can affect where you live, who you see, what you own, and even your job. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s at stake and get the right help.
Who’s Covered? Understanding PFA Eligibility in Pennsylvania
To get a PFA in Pennsylvania, you need to have a close relationship with the other person. The Domestic Relations section targets those with close, intimate ties— family ties, living together, or parenting together:
- Family Members: Includes parents, kids, brothers, sisters, or anyone related by blood or marriage.
- Romantic Relationships: Covers current or ex-spouses, partners, or anyone who has had an intimate relationship.
- Shared Parenting: Any parents who have children together, no matter if they’re married or not, can apply for a PFA.
To get a PFA under this section, specific actions need to be proven:
- Physical harm or threats of harm, including assault, sexual assault, or serious injury.
- Actions that cause a reasonable fear of immediate danger or harm.
- False imprisonment or abusive actions, including domestic violence or child abuse.
If the other person is just a neighbor, coworker, or someone you barely know, this section doesn’t apply. It’s reserved for more intimate or family-style relationships.
PSVI (Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation)
Pennsylvania now allows individuals to seek a PFA if there is no domestic or family relationship.
- Sexual Violence: Covers sexual offenses like rape or assault committed by someone outside the victim’s family or household. These situations don’t fall under traditional domestic abuse laws.
- Intimidation: Applies when an adult targets a minor with stalking or harassment, even if they have no family or household connection to the victim.
This law applies to threats and abusive behavior, even if the person isn’t a family member or someone you live with.
How is a PFA Issued in Lebanon County?
The PFA Office can be found in Lebanon County; judges hear PFA applications and custody hearings in the Family Division of the Lebanon County Courthouse at 400 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. The phone number is 717 274-2801.
Even if the PFA Department is closed, the person seeking protection can ask for a magisterial judge for an Emergency PFA Order if they claim immediate danger.
If someone thinks they’re being stalked, they need to complete the petition thoroughly, providing details such as:
- Dates, times, and locations of incidents.
- Course of conduct descriptions.
- Specific acts of abuse or threats were made.
- Physical or psychological injuries sustained.
- List of all parties involved, including witnesses.
And don’t forget—a judge can issue a temporary PFA without you present and without any prior notice to you. That means you could be forced out of your house or cut off from contact before you’re even aware a case exists. The order stays in place until a hearing, typically within 10 business days, where each side can speak and the court decides whether to extend it.
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.
Can a PFA Be Changed?
Either side can ask the court to change the terms of a PFA, but only a judge can approve any modifications. Agreements made outside court don’t count. For example:
- Your spouse calls or texts you and says it’s okay to change the no-contact terms—that doesn’t legally change the PFA unless a judge approves.
- Your child tells you that their other parent wants you to visit or communicate—that doesn’t override the court order.
- You agree verbally to meet somewhere or exchange belongings—without court approval, it’s still a violation.
- A friend or family member passes messages between you and the other party—it won’t affect the PFA’s conditions.
- Both parties agree to ignore certain restrictions—you still need the judge to officially modify the order—otherwise, you risk penalties.
Remember—better safe than sorry!
If the petitioner still needs protection before the order ends, they can request an extension based on new incidents or ongoing threats. The defendant has 30 days to appeal the final order, which goes to the Pennsylvania Superior Court for review.
One Screenshot Could Change Everything
Facing stalking accusations? Start saving everything—messages, call logs, social media posts. These details could be the key to your defense. Here’s what to keep:
- Statements from witnesses (record video or audio if possible)
- Voicemail messages
- Medical documentation of any injuries sustained
- Photographs that back up your version of events
- Screenshots of social media posts or interactions before they disappear
- Records of phone calls and call history
- Captured screenshots of text conversations
- Video footage relevant to the case
- Any threatening notes or messages in writing
Not sure what to save? An attorney can help you sort it out. Don’t face this alone.
The Do’s and Don’ts Under a PFA
Violating a PFA—even unintentionally—can get you into big trouble. Make sure you don’t do any of the following while the order stands:
- Never contact the accuser, even if you think it’s harmless or to clear things up. For example, sending a text to apologize or calling to explain your side can be misunderstood and considered a violation. It’s best to avoid all direct communication, no matter how innocent it feels.
- If you happen to see the accuser in public—at work, a store, or around town—maintain your distance and don’t engage. Simply walk away or change direction rather than stopping to talk. Even brief eye contact or a quick greeting can be viewed as unwanted contact.
- Don’t try to get messages to the accuser through friends, family members, or coworkers. Using a third party to relay information still counts as breaking the PFA. For example, asking a mutual friend to “pass along a message” can lead to legal trouble.
- Understand the terms of your PFA fully and don’t claim ignorance. Courts expect you to know the restrictions, whether it’s no contact, staying a certain distance away, or other specific rules. Ignoring or misunderstanding the order won’t protect you from penalties if you violate it.
- Never destroy, hide, or tamper with any evidence related to the case. Trying to delete texts, erase voicemails, or hide physical evidence can make things worse, possibly leading to additional charges for obstruction of justice.
- Avoid accepting any invitations from the accuser to meet or talk, even if they say it’s just to resolve things peacefully. These “friendly” meetings can be risky and may be used against you later as proof of violating the order.
- Do not try to influence or interfere with witnesses, including friends or family who might testify. Pressuring someone to change their story or discouraging them from testifying is illegal and can result in serious consequences.
Just because your accuser cools off or wants to make peace doesn’t mean the case is over. Stay with the rules to protect yourself—after all, this all started because of their allegations.
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 a crime, you could be looking at increased jail sentences and more serious charges.
Filing a False Petition: Legal Repercussions
People have been bending the truth to get their way since courts were first established—and even before that. PFAs can sometimes be weaponized in family disputes like divorce or custody fights. A skilled lawyer can help reveal any false motives behind the accusations. If it’s proven that a person knowingly submitted a false Protection from Abuse petition, they could be held accountable with charges such as:
- Perjury
- False swearing
- Unsworn falsification
- Filing false reports to law enforcement
Courts punish liars harshly.
Take Control of Your Case: Contact the LLF Law Firm Team
It may feel overwhelming, but your rights haven’t disappeared.
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team offers defense strategies for clients in Lebanon County. With years of experience representing clients across Pennsylvania in both criminal and civil matters, including PFA defense, we know how high the stakes can be. Here’s how we support you through the process:
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Smart, Strategic Representation:
The moment a PFA petition is filed against you, we step in. Whether you’re attending your first hearing or appealing a final order, we represent you at every stage. For example, we can help challenge vague or exaggerated allegations during the initial hearing or fight for a more favorable outcome on appeal. -
Modifying or Disputing a PFA:
Life changes—and sometimes, so do the terms of a PFA. Whether you need more access to your child, want to return to your home, or believe the order is no longer necessary, we’ll help you file the right petition. We also defend you if the other party tries to expand the terms or extend the order unfairly. -
Avoiding and Managing Violations:
We make sure you fully understand what you can and can’t do under a PFA, so you don’t accidentally trigger a violation. But we also make it clear: these orders go both ways. If the other party tries to bait you into violating the order or reaches out in violation of their own terms, we will document it and bring it to the court’s attention. If they’re lying or manipulating the situation, we will show it—plain and simple.
Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form to get started.
Accusations can disrupt every part of your life—from your freedom to your family—so don’t face stalking or PFA claims alone.