Penal Code §273.6
California Penal Code 273.6: violating a protective order
PC 273.6 addresses intentional and knowing violations of specified protective orders. The type of order, service or notice, and exact subdivision matter.
Which orders are covered
Section 273.6(a) concerns an intentional and knowing violation of a qualifying protective order. It cross-references orders under the Family Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Welfare and Institutions Code; later subdivisions address additional order types.
First identify the order itself, the conduct it prohibits, whether it was in force at the relevant time, and the basis for alleging the person knew its terms.
Misdemeanor baseline and enhanced provisions
Subdivision (a) calls the basic violation a misdemeanor and provides a fine of up to $1,000, county jail for up to one year, or both.
The statute adds different consequences for a violation resulting in physical injury and for specified prior convictions or repeated violations. The facts and subdivision cited are therefore essential to a reliable penalty description.
Practical record review
Compare the signed order, proof of service or other notice evidence, any later modification, and the alleged contact. A person’s request for contact does not itself rewrite a court order; check the current order and any court modification.
Common questions
Is every contact a violation?
The order’s actual terms and the statutory intentional-and-knowing requirement matter. Examine the current order and alleged conduct before reaching a conclusion.
Is the basic violation a misdemeanor?
Yes. Section 273.6(a) expressly describes the basic violation as a misdemeanor. Other subdivisions add consequences for specified circumstances.
Sources
- California Penal Code section 273.6 leginfo.legislature.ca.gov Source checked on 2026-10-31