How to Respond If You’re Served with a Protection from Harassment Order in Maine

Wendy Moulton

Being served with a Protection from Harassment (PFH) order in Maine can be frightening and confusing. Many people are caught off guard, unsure what the order means, what they’re allowed to do, or how quickly they need to act.

 

If you’ve been served with a PFH order in Southern Maine, including York, Sanford, Kennebunk, Biddeford, or Portland, the most important thing to understand is this: time matters. These cases move fast, and what you do in the first few days can significantly affect the outcome.

 

This guide explains what a Protection from Harassment order is, what steps to take immediately after you’re served, and when contacting a protection from harassment lawyer in Maine can make a critical difference.

What Is a Protection from Harassment Order in Maine?

 

A Protection from Harassment order is a civil court order intended to stop repeated harassment, threats, or intimidation when the parties do not have a qualifying domestic or family relationship. These cases are different from Protection from Abuse cases, which apply to spouses, partners, or family members.

PFH cases commonly involve allegations between:

  • Neighbors
  • Coworkers
  • Former friends or acquaintances
  • People connected through school, work, or the community

Although PFH cases are civil matters, they can still carry serious legal consequences, particularly if the order is violated.

 

When a PFH complaint is filed, a judge may issue a temporary protection from harassment order without hearing your side of the story. This temporary order takes effect immediately once you are served and remains in place until the court hearing.

What It Means to Be Served With a PFH Order

 

Being “served” means you have been officially notified of:

  • The temporary harassment order
  • The allegations against you
  • The date, time, and location of your court hearing

Many people underestimate how restrictive a PFH order can be. Even a temporary order can limit where you go, who you speak to, and how you communicate.

Once served, you are legally required to follow every condition of the order, even if you strongly disagree with the allegations or believe the order is unfair.

What to Do Immediately After You’re Served

 

The period immediately after service is one of the most critical stages of a PFH case. Mistakes made at this point can be difficult — or impossible — to undo later.

If you’ve been served with a harassment order in Maine, you should take the situation seriously and act carefully.

At a minimum, you should:

  • Read the order carefully and understand exactly what contact is prohibited
  • Avoid all contact with the other party, even if they contact you first
  • Note your hearing date and any deadlines listed in the paperwork

Even accidental or indirect contact — such as responding to a message, sending an apology, or asking a mutual friend to pass along a message — can be considered a violation.

Why Violating a PFH Order Is So Serious

 

One of the biggest misconceptions about harassment orders is that violations are “just civil issues.” In reality, violating a PFH order is a criminal offense under Maine law.

 

A violation can result in:

  • Arrest
  • Criminal charges
  • Additional court restrictions
  • A permanent record

This is why courts expect strict compliance, even when the order feels unreasonable or one-sided. The safest approach is to follow the order exactly until the judge decides otherwise.

Can You Fight a Protection from Harassment Order in Maine?

 

Yes. A PFH order is not automatic or permanent. The court hearing is where the judge decides whether the legal standard for harassment has been met.

At the hearing, the judge will evaluate:

  • The credibility of the allegations
  • Whether the conduct meets Maine’s definition of harassment
  • Any evidence presented by either side

This is where many self-represented defendants struggle. PFH hearings are more formal than people expect, and emotional arguments alone are rarely effective.

A harassment order defense attorney can help ensure the court hears your side of the story clearly and within the correct legal framework.

Common Mistakes Defendants Make Without a Lawyer

 

Many people go into PFH hearings believing they can simply explain themselves and clear things up. Unfortunately, this approach often backfires.

Without legal guidance, defendants commonly:

  • Say too much or make damaging admissions
  • Focus on emotional arguments instead of legal standards
  • Fail to challenge inconsistent or exaggerated claims
  • Present evidence incorrectly or too late

Judges cannot coach you on how to defend yourself. Once testimony is given, it becomes part of the court record and may be used in future proceedings.

What Happens at the Harassment Order Hearing?

 

PFH hearings are usually scheduled within a few weeks of service, depending on the court. In Southern Maine courts, hearings often move quickly, with limited time for each case.

At the hearing:

  • Both parties may testify
  • Evidence may be presented
  • The judge may ask direct questions
  • Legal standards apply

After hearing both sides, the judge may dismiss the case, modify the temporary order, or issue a final Protection from Harassment order, often lasting up to one year.

What If You Live Outside Maine?

 

Protection from Harassment cases frequently involve out-of-state defendants, particularly New Hampshire residents. If the alleged harassment occurred in Maine, the case will proceed in Maine courts, even if you live elsewhere.

Many out-of-state defendants feel overwhelmed by:

  • Travel requirements
  • Unfamiliar court procedures
  • Tight deadlines

An experienced Maine protection from harassment lawyer can help explain what’s required, assist with preparation, and reduce the risk of unintentional violations.

Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a PFH Case?

 

If you’re asking this question, the answer is often yes.

 

Hiring a lawyer makes sense when:

  • Allegations are false, exaggerated, or taken out of context
  • You are concerned about criminal consequences
  • The order affects your job, housing, or reputation
  • You want to protect your long-term record

Even when a case seems minor at first, the consequences of a final harassment order can extend far beyond the courtroom.

 

Get Legal Help for a Protection from Harassment Case in Maine

 

Wendy represents clients throughout Southern York County — including York, Sanford, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Portland — and handles Protection from Harassment defense cases statewide, including for out-of-state clients facing Maine court proceedings.

 

If you’ve been served with a harassment order and are unsure what to do next, getting legal guidance early can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights.

 

👉 Contact Wendy today at (207) 251-9659 to discuss your Protection from Harassment case and understand your options before your court date.