Facebook Use Restrictions in Pennsylvania PFA Cases

Understanding PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders offer crucial safeguards for individuals facing threats or violence from family members or romantic partners. These orders are designed to protect the alleged victim by imposing strict restrictions on the civil rights of the accused. Pennsylvania state police and other government agencies work together to enforce these orders, often requiring the accused to vacate their shared residence with the plaintiff and comply with no-contact mandates.

If you have been served with a PFA order in New Castle, seeking legal counsel from a reputable criminal lawyer is critical. A PFA order can bring significant disruptions to your personal and professional life, along with the emotional stress of navigating court hearings.

Another vital aspect of PFA orders is adherence to the restrictions. Violating any terms, even unintentional ones, can result in harsh penalties. You might be surprised to learn that these restrictions often extend to your social media activities, including using platforms like Facebook.

At Logue Law Group, we’ve compiled essential information regarding the use of Facebook under a PFA order, ensuring you’re prepared during the legal process.

Facebook No-Contact Rules Under PFA Orders

Impact of PFAs on Social Media Activity

For frequent Facebook users, a PFA order may require significant changes to how you use the platform. While staying connected through social media might feel routine, the no-contact rules of a PFA extend to your online interactions as well. Hence, if you are charged for committing such felonies, make sure to have a New Castle DUI attorney by your side for a strong defense

Here are some key restrictions under Pennsylvania PFA orders that impact Facebook usage:

• No Messaging: Contacting the plaintiff through Facebook Messenger is strictly prohibited under the no-contact clause.
• No Timeline Updates: Posting content about the plaintiff in your timeline is not allowed.
• No Invites: Sending Facebook invites or friend requests to the plaintiff party is considered a breach of the PFA order.

Because each PFA order has unique conditions, discussing your case with an experienced New Castle criminal lawyer is crucial. Your lawyer can clarify the specific restrictions you must follow to avoid unintended violations.

How Facebook PFA Contempt Charges Are Defended

1. Defense of Intent

One of the most effective legal defenses used in PFA contempt cases is the defense of intent. Your New Castle DUI attorney can argue that you had no intention of violating the PFA order.

For instance, Facebook messages can inadvertently be sent to groups or individuals due to common social media habits. These unintended actions often include automated or pre-scheduled posts or harmless group messages. Your legal team can present these scenarios as evidence to show the absence of malicious intent, preventing unjust penalties.

2. Defense of Automated Features

Many users are unaware that platforms like Facebook regularly use automated features. These might include pre-scheduled notifications, auto-generated event invitations, and more.

If the plaintiff claims you initiated contact through an automated feature, your New Castle criminal lawyer can argue that these actions were not directly under your control. By highlighting Facebook’s hidden automation tools, your lawyer can demonstrate that the alleged violation was not intentional, strengthening your defense.

Why You Should Contact a New Castle Criminal Lawyer

Violating a PFA order has serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both. To protect yourself and ensure compliance with your PFA terms, it’s essential to consult with one of New Castle’s premier attorneys. Sean Logue, a leading New Castle criminal lawyer, has a long track record of defending individuals facing complex PFA cases.

Whether you need guidance through the legal maze of PFA restrictions or help defending against a contempt charge, Sean Logue and the team at Logue Law Group are here to assist you.

Contact Us for a Consultation

New Castle DUI attorney Sean Logue has helped numerous individuals successfully resolve their PFA-related matters. By working with our team, you can rest assured that your case will proceed smoothly and with minimal complications.

Need help? Call 844.PITT.DUI today to schedule your free consultation with a reliable New Castle criminal lawyer and start on the path toward resolution. You don’t have to face this alone— Logue Law Group is here to guide you every step of the way.