Facebook Use Restriction in Pennsylvania PFA Cases

Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders are primarily designed to safeguard individuals who are dealing with domestic violence from family members or spouses. The goal is to protect the alleged victim while limiting certain civil liberties of the defendant. In these situations, government agencies and state police work together to ensure the accused person is removed from any home shared with the plaintiff and that a strict no-contact policy is enforced.

If you find yourself facing a PFA order, it is essential to get help from a qualified legal professional immediately. A PFA can cause major disruptions to both your career and your private life. Furthermore, the court process can take a heavy emotional toll. You need a Morgantown criminal lawyer to help navigate these choppy waters.

Keeping up with the requirements of an issued PFA is crucial. You must stick to every restriction listed, as violating them can lead to harsh punishments and penalties. You might be surprised to learn that these restrictions often extend to your online activity, specifically on platforms like Facebook. At Mountaineer Law Group, we have gathered all the necessary details about social media limitations to help ensure your court hearing goes as smoothly as possible in Berks County.

Facebook No-Contact Restrictions in PFA Orders

For those who use Facebook regularly, a PFA order will significantly change how you interact online. There are specific rules you must follow when using the app. While staying in touch with friends and family online is a normal part of life today, the no-contact provision of a PFA applies to the digital world just as much as the physical one. If you are unsure about the specifics, a Morgantown DUI attorney with experience in PFA matters can explain the nuances.

You are strictly forbidden from messaging, posting on timelines, or writing status updates about the plaintiff. To fully understand the boundaries set by your PFA, it is best to speak with a professional. They have the knowledge to guide you through the confusing regulations of these orders. It is also important to note that a frequent restriction in Pennsylvania involves sending Facebook friend requests or invites to the plaintiff; doing so is considered a direct violation of the order.

How Can You Defend Against a Facebook PFA Violation?

Are you trying to fight a charge of contempt regarding a Facebook PFA violation? Your attorney can employ two specific strategies to protect your rights. A skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer will know exactly how to apply these defenses to your specific situation.

Defense of Intent

Your legal counsel will work to question the validity of the alleged violation. On Facebook, messages are frequently sent to large groups or multiple people at once. Sometimes, the person under the restraining order might send a message accidentally, such as a generic game invite or a group post, without meaning to contact the victim. This defense is frequently employed by defense lawyers in Pennsylvania to prevent unjust penalization.

Defense of Automated Functions

Were you aware that many social media apps, including Facebook, operate with hidden automated settings? Many users don’t realize that Facebook can automatically generate and send messages to contact lists without the user explicitly hitting “send.” If the protected individual claims you reached out in violation of the order, your Morgantown DUI attorney can build a defense based on these automated app features.

Be sure to get advice from Sean Logue, one of Pennsylvania’s top lawyers, renowned for his success in defending clients in PFA cases. For a free consultation and help with any inquiries regarding these complex orders, reach out to him at (304) 381-3656. He is available 24/7 to assist you.