Social Media Use During PFA Cases in Pennsylvania

In our modern world, the majority of our daily interactions happen online. Whether it’s sending an email, chatting on WhatsApp or Facebook, or scrolling through Instagram, we depend on social media to keep in touch with everyone around us. However, if you have been served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) notice, it is vital to understand how this legal order restricts your digital footprint.

In the state of Pennsylvania, domestic violence is treated with extreme severity. Rather than having a specific, isolated section of the law, it is addressed under existing criminal statutes. This means that violating a PFA order can result in penalties comparable to other violent crimes. Because these orders and their specific provisions can be complex, it is very easy to accidentally misunderstand the rules. To navigate these tricky waters safely, it is essential to get advice from a qualified legal professional.

At Mountaineer Law Group, serving Berks County, Morgantown DUI attorneys are committed to educating our clients about how a PFA Order impacts their social media usage.

What is a PFA Order and Who is Eligible to File?

A Protection From Abuse Order is a legal mechanism designed to stop domestic violence between people who live in “domestic settings.” These orders cover various forms of abuse, including mental harassment, stalking, and sexual assault. Once a PFA order is granted, the court system and state police step in to enforce a strict no-contact rule between the parties involved.

The right to petition for a PFA order belongs to victims who share a living space or have a specific relationship with the alleged abuser. Eligible individuals include:

• Current and former intimate partners (both sexual and non-sexual)
• Current and former spouses
• Minor children
• Individuals cohabitating with a spouse
• Same-sex couples, whether married or unmarried
• Family members (usually parents and siblings)
• People who share a biological child

If you are facing these allegations, consulting a Morgantown criminal lawyer can help you understand your rights and the specific constraints placed upon you.

Now that we have established the fundamentals of a PFA order and who is eligible to file one, let’s dig deeper into how social media fits into this legal landscape. By breaking this down clearly, we hope to foster a better grasp of PFA cases and how they dictate your online behavior.

Managing Your Online Presence During PFA Proceedings

When PFA proceedings are underway, it is critical that your online behavior aligns perfectly with the restrictions in the order. You must not attempt to bypass, deny, or ignore any section of the order that forbids social media contact with the alleged victim. This is strictly prohibited.

Additionally, it is incredibly important that you refrain from posting about the court proceedings or sharing any details about the plaintiff online. Failing to follow the PFA rules on your social media platforms can lead to severe penalties. In these situations, it is highly advisable to seek direction from a skilled Morgantown DUI attorney who can offer specific instructions on how to handle your digital accounts during this sensitive time.

In scenarios where minor children are involved, necessitating communication between both parties, it is smart to restrict all conversations strictly to child-related matters. Discussing unrelated topics can negatively impact your standing in court. Your legal counsel will be able to provide comprehensive advice on how to handle these necessary communications without violating the order.

When facing difficult legal challenges like these in Berks County, Attorney Sean Logue is the ideal choice for representation. With his extensive knowledge, he will work to ensure your PFA proceedings move forward as smoothly as possible. Contact (304) 381-3656 to speak with a Morgantown criminal lawyer and request a free consultation today!