Overview: Violations in Delaware County
Below is an overview of common violations in Delaware County, how they are defined under Pennsylvania law, and how they may be handled in court.
In Delaware County, individuals may face violations of court-ordered supervision or legal orders that carry serious consequences—even when no new criminal charge is involved. These violations can result in hearings, incarceration, extended supervision, or changes to your probation or parole status. Attorney William Burrows of SKA Law Group LLC provides experienced representation for clients accused of violations in both the Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Direct Violations
A direct violation occurs when an individual under supervision (such as probation or parole) is convicted of a new criminal offense while still under the terms of that supervision. Under Pennsylvania law, this type of violation is considered more serious than a mere technical failure to comply with supervision conditions, because it involves a new crime that triggers the revocation or reconsideration of the original sentence.
Direct violations can lead to revocation hearings in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, where a judge determines whether to reinstate or modify the original supervision terms, or impose incarceration or other penalties.
Learn more about Direct Violations in Delaware County
Parole Violations
A parole violation occurs when a person released from prison on parole does not comply with the conditions set by the Pennsylvania Parole Board or is convicted of a new crime during the parole period. There are two primary categories of parole violations:
- Technical parole violations – failure to comply with conditions such as reporting requirements, curfew, or restrictions on movement.
- Convicted parole violations – commission and conviction of a new offense while on parole.
Parole violations may result in parole revocation hearings, detainment, or recommitment to custody. These matters are typically handled in the Court of Common Pleas with input from parole authorities.
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PFA Violations (Protection From Abuse)
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) violation occurs when someone violates the terms of an existing protective order. A PFA order is a court-issued restraining order designed to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, or abuse. Violating a PFA may lead to indirect criminal contempt charges, which are prosecuted criminally and can carry penalties including fines, probation, or jail time.
PFA violations may be handled in the Magisterial District Courts or the Court of Common Pleas depending on the seriousness of the violation and prior history.
Learn more about PFA Violations in Delaware County
Probation Violations
A probation violation occurs when a person under court-ordered probation fails to comply with one or more conditions of that probation. These violations generally fall into two categories:
- Technical probation violations – failing to meet requirements such as missing court dates, not reporting to a probation officer, failing drug or alcohol tests, not paying fines, or failing to complete community service.
- Direct probation violations – being arrested or convicted of a new crime while on probation.
If a probation violation is alleged, the matter is brought before a judge in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, where the judge may impose additional penalties, revoke probation, or modify the original sentence.
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Technical Violations
Technical violations occur when someone under supervision (probation or parole) fails to follow specific non-criminal conditions of that supervision, such as missing appointments with a probation officer, failing a drug or alcohol test, or not fulfilling program requirements. Importantly, a technical violation does not require a new criminal conviction— it reflects non-compliance with supervision terms.
Technical violations can lead to a revocation hearing in the Court of Common Pleas, where a judge has discretion to impose sanctions, including incarceration, modification of supervision conditions, or continued supervision.
Learn more about Technical Violations in Delaware County
How Violations Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Violations may be addressed in either the Magisterial District Courts or the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the type and severity:
- Magisterial District Courts often address initial hearings and less serious or summary violation matters.
- Delaware County Court of Common Pleas handles more serious violation hearings, modifications to supervision, revocation proceedings, and cases involving new criminal charges tied to the violation.
Early legal representation can influence outcomes, including keeping clients out of custody pending a hearing or negotiating alternatives to incarceration.
Learn how Delaware County courts handle these matters
Speak With a Delaware County Violations Defense Attorney
Violations of probation, parole, PFA orders, or court supervision can have serious consequences—potentially resulting in jail time, extended supervision, or other legal penalties. Attorney William Burrows provides strategic defense tailored to the complexities of violation hearings and related criminal proceedings.
Learn more about your options for each violation type in Delaware County PA