US FederalIs it a federal crime to cross state lines to violate a protection order?
Yes, it is a federal crime to cross state lines with the intent to violate a protection order under 18 U.S.C. § 2261.
What the Law Says
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) makes it a federal offense to travel across state or tribal boundaries with the intent to commit domestic violence or violate a protection order.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2261, it is illegal for a person to cross state or tribal lines (or enter or leave Indian country) with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner — and then commit or attempt to commit a crime of violence against that person.
Crucially, the statute also criminalizes crossing state lines with the intent to violate a protection order issued under state, tribal, or territorial law — even if no physical violence occurs. The violation itself must be a crime under the jurisdiction where it occurs.
The law applies regardless of whether the protection order was issued in the same state where the violation occurs. Federal prosecution does not require the underlying state violation to have been completed — intent plus interstate travel is sufficient.
Statutory Text(a)(1) Whoever travels across a State line or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner, and who, in the course of, or as a result of, such travel, commits or attempts to commit a crime of violence against that spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).
— 18 U.S.C. § 2261(a)(1) — Interstate domestic violence
Statutory Text(a)(2) Whoever travels across a State line or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States with the intent to violate the terms of a protection order, as defined in section 2266, that is in effect at the time of the travel, and who violates such order in a manner that constitutes a crime under the laws of the place where the violation occurs, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).
— 18 U.S.C. § 2261(a)(2) — Interstate domestic violence
What to Do
Contact local law enforcement immediately if someone subject to a protection order crosses state lines toward you.
Preserve evidence of the order, travel (e.g., toll receipts, GPS data, texts), and threats or contact.
Notify the prosecutor handling your original protection order case — they may coordinate with federal authorities.
Consider requesting federal involvement through the U.S. Attorney’s Office or FBI, especially if the violator has fled jurisdiction.
Seek safety planning support from a domestic violence advocacy organization or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.