Protective Order Options When a Partner Is on Probation
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 19, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
Will I have to pay when will I talk to a lawyer.
He is on probation for aggravated assult.
Attorney Answer
You generally will not have to pay for a first conversation with a lawyer, and you can typically talk to one right away — many Pennsylvania attorneys and legal aid organizations offer free initial consultations.
One question from earlier was never answered: whether a protective order is already in place against your boyfriend. That matters because it changes whether the next step is filing a new petition or reporting a probation violation, so it's worth confirming before deciding how to proceed.
What is confirmed is that he is on probation for aggravated assault. Any threatening or abusive conduct should be reported to both the police and his probation officer — a new offense while on probation can itself constitute a violation, which carries real consequences.
For your own protection, Pennsylvania's Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §§ 6101-6122) sets out the process for a civil protective order. If you're in immediate danger, the law allows emergency ex parte relief, meaning a judge can grant a temporary order the same day, before the other person is notified, while a full hearing is scheduled.
What you can do:
1. Call the police now if you are in immediate danger.
2. Report any threatening or abusive conduct to both police and his probation officer.
3. Contact a legal aid organization or attorney for a free initial consultation.
4. Consider filing a PFA petition, requesting emergency ex parte relief if you need protection right away.
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Courts & Legal Aid in Pennsylvania
- File or look up a case through the Pennsylvania Courts, which serves the state.
- Get free civil legal help from PALawHelp.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the LawHelp.org to browse free legal information and self-help resources.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an initial consultation with an attorney cost money?
Generally, many attorneys and legal aid organizations offer a free initial consultation, particularly for matters involving safety concerns.
Can new threatening behavior violate someone's existing probation?
Generally, yes — new threatening or abusive conduct while on probation can itself constitute a violation, which may carry separate consequences.
How quickly can someone get a protective order if they're in danger?
In many states, a court can grant emergency temporary protective relief the same day, before the other person is notified, while a full hearing is scheduled.
