The Process Server (TPS) Penalties for Process Servers Who Misuse Their Authority

Process servers have a legal duty to deliver documents properly. When they misuse their authority, courts impose severe penalties.

Falsifying affidavits, impersonating law enforcement, or engaging in harassment can destroy a process server’s career, lead to criminal charges, and even result in jail time.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common penalties for process servers who abuse their position.

1. Fines & Financial Penalties

Courts impose heavy fines on process servers who violate legal standards.

  • General fines for misconduct – Ranging from $500 to $10,000+, depending on severity.

  • Improper service fines – If a process server fails to follow state laws, they may be required to pay court costs and re-serve documents at their own expense.

  • Fraudulent service penalties – Submitting a false affidavit of service can result in fines of up to $25,000 in some states.

A bad serve isn’t just a mistake—it can be an expensive one.

2. Perjury Charges for False Affidavits

Lying on an affidavit of service is perjury—a serious felony offense.

  • Penalties for perjury:

    • Up to 5 years in prison

    • A felony record that permanently impacts employment

    • Fines up to $10,000+

A process server caught submitting false documents could go from delivering papers to serving time.

3. License Suspension or Permanent Revocation

Process servers must adhere to strict legal standards. Violations can lead to suspension or revocation of certification.

  • Reasons for license suspension:

    • Repeated improper service attempts

    • Failure to maintain accurate records

    • Criminal misconduct related to process serving

  • Permanent disqualification – Some states permanently ban process servers for serious offenses.

Lose your license, lose your career—there’s no second chance.

4. Criminal Charges for Impersonating Law Enforcement

A process server is NOT a police officer—pretending to be one is a serious crime.

  • Felony charges for impersonation:

    • Fines from $1,000 to $10,000

    • Up to 10 years in prison

    • A permanent criminal record

Trying to act like a cop? That’s a fast way to end up in real handcuffs.

5. Civil Lawsuits from Defendants & Plaintiffs

If a process server’s misconduct causes harm, they can be sued for damages.

  • Defendants may sue for wrongful service if the process server:

    • Filed a false affidavit that led to an unfair legal judgment.

    • Used intimidation or harassment while serving.

    • Trespassed on private property without legal authority.

  • Plaintiffs may sue if:

    • Improper service delays or dismisses their case.

    • They face extra legal fees due to a process server’s mistakes.

A bad serve can cost more than just a career—it can lead to financial ruin.

6. Jail Time for Trespassing & Harassment

Some process servers cross the line by trespassing, stalking, or threatening defendants.

  • Legal service rules allow approach to a front door but do NOT allow:

    • Forcing entry into a home or business.

    • Ignoring "No Trespassing" signs.

    • Continuing to harass someone after being told to leave.

  • Penalties for trespassing:

    • Misdemeanor trespassing – Up to 1 year in jail.

    • Felony aggravated trespassing – If threats or intimidation are involved.

A process server isn’t above the law—trespassing can mean jail time.

7. Contempt of Court Charges for Interfering with Legal Proceedings

When a process server’s actions disrupt the legal process, a judge can hold them in contempt of court.

  • Reasons a process server may be held in contempt:

    • Ignoring a court order regarding service.

    • Providing false testimony about a service attempt.

    • Deliberately delaying service to obstruct a case.

  • Penalties for contempt of court:

    • Fines from $500 to $5,000

    • Jail time for willful obstruction

    • Permanent disqualification from process serving

Judges don’t play games—obstruct justice, and you’ll face the consequences.

8. Industry Blacklisting & Permanent Damage to Reputation

Even if a process server avoids criminal charges, misconduct can destroy their career.

  • Law firms, courts, and agencies share information about unreliable process servers.

  • A process server caught falsifying records or engaging in misconduct may be blacklisted.

  • Online reviews, court records, and complaints can permanently damage professional credibility.

A bad reputation is career-ending—once credibility is gone, clients stop hiring.

Final Takeaway: Misusing Authority Comes with Serious Consequences

Process servers have a duty to serve legally and ethically—misuse of authority comes with severe penalties.

  • Massive fines – Up to $10,000+ for misconduct.

  • Felony perjury charges – Lying on an affidavit can lead to prison time.

  • License suspension & permanent disqualification – Lose certification = lose career.

  • Criminal charges for impersonation or trespassing – Jail time for lawbreakers.

  • Civil lawsuits from plaintiffs & defendants – A bad serve can cost thousands in damages.

  • Contempt of court penalties – Judges don’t tolerate process servers who obstruct justice.

  • Blacklisting & loss of reputation – Once credibility is gone, it’s over.

Related Topics to Explore:

🔹 How State Laws Penalize Process Servers for Improper Service

Discover how different states impose penalties on process servers who fail to follow legal service procedures.

🔹 Can a Process Server Face Criminal Charges?

Learn about the circumstances under which a process server’s misconduct can lead to criminal prosecution.

🔹 Consequences for a Process Server Who Uses Coercion During Service

Find out how using intimidation or threats during service can result in severe legal repercussions.

🔹 How Defendants Can Protect Themselves If a Process Server Violates the Rules

Understand the legal options available to individuals who have been subjected to improper or unlawful service.

Testimonials from Our Clients

What Clients Say About Our People-First Approach

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C PAN
05:36 16 Jul 24
Excellent work. Right to the point with instructions what to send them and what their procedure was. Had my papers served right after the holiday weekend and a copy of the declaration was emailed to me and one was mailed led to the court. No surprises. I’d recommend them to others. Oh! Before I forget, what I like the most was that they answered the phone both times I called. This is rare nowadays.
evelyn alvarez
23:39 15 Jul 24
Good service
christine Taylor
02:44 14 Jul 24
I contacted this particular process server office and spoke with the gentleman named Justin. Justin was extremely helpful and patient helping me through the process. I found it extremely impressive how well he communicated and responded so quickly to all my phone calls, emails or concerns.I highly recommend this business.
Lupe Valencia
19:36 13 Jul 24
The process server who helped us was Justin, he was on time with everything and professional during the whole situation, and served my ex wife in a timely manner! Highly recommended.
A D AD
18:41 08 Jul 24
The best process service in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Very professional staff, people friendly, and detail-oriented. Addressed all my concerns and treated me like a "human" not an object.-Thank to all the team members at "The Process Server" for such an amazing job! They care about people.
Dan Dodson
13:53 28 Jun 24
Worked with me on a difficult serve, last minute changes, high traffic area delivery. Good communication skills, professional, efficient and tactful. Would use them again!!! Many Thanks !!!
Breanna Kudamik
05:23 28 Jun 24
I cannot stress how excellent this process server was. When the sheriff's office told me it could take weeks to months to service, I immediately called these guys and they got it done the next day. Cannot tell you how safe i feel now thanks to this wonderful company. Thank you!
mary rincon
23:16 27 Jun 24
Very polite and easy to work with
Berlin Gatow
04:16 22 Jun 24
Justin and his server processer are fabulous and professional. My gratitude to all, who had participated in this legal matter.
Shalina Madrigal
02:25 18 Jun 24
I’ve had to use them over the years and always had the best customer service. Great communication and great timely manner. Highly recommended!
Greg Asay
01:17 28 Apr 24
The Process Server was outstanding. They responded quickly to our request, including making sure our documents were served the next morning. Their customer service was excellent and really compassionate about our situation. They quickly uploaded proof that the documents were served to AZPoint. I would definitely use them again! Thank you!
takten3
03:48 18 Apr 24
Justin is the office staff member that did the coordination and John is the staff member that performed the actual document serving.Both super great individuals. Both professional. Both communicated extremely well. I received a follow up phone call from Justin (after the serve) to ensure I filed my paperwork with the court (given that this was a rush serve situation). I also received a confirmation call from John after the serve was completed, informing me how the serve was received.I would definitely use them again! You have to be careful what process servers you use. These guys are really good and professional. —Todd
Alicia Amador
15:18 14 Mar 24
Tried using a different process server prior to them to save some cash, but the other company struggled every step of the way from the very beginning. Decided to reach out to this company and they handled everything very smoothly and were able to get my person served quick. Communicated along the way, answered all of my questions and overall made me feel much more at ease over the whole situation. Will be using them more in the future and have already recommended them to anyone who needs a process server
Victoria Moreno
20:56 05 Feb 24
They were amazing! And when they say fast service they mean FAST! Process server John was proficient and got the job done in less than a week. I communicated with Justin the whole way and he was amazing on letting me know what steps I should take next! I really appreciate them and will for sure use them if I ever need any paperwork served!

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The Process Server

13416 North 32nd Street #110F, Phoenix, Arizona 85032, United States

Phone: +1 (602) 675-2333
Email: [email protected]

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