PFA Violations in Pennsylvania

In Wellsburg, when dealing with domestic abuse situations, it’s important to understand that there aren’t specific, standalone laws for domestic violence. These cases are usually handled under other criminal or hate crime charges. This means if you are served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) notice, you must treat it with the utmost seriousness. You might feel confused about what this means for you and how it will impact your daily life. Because PFA orders can be intricate, defendants sometimes violate them without realizing it. At Logue Law Group, our goal is to give you clear and thorough information about PFA orders and the serious outcomes of not following them.

What Exactly Is a PFA Order?

A PFA Order is a formal protection order issued by a court. Its purpose is to protect people from domestic abuse, which can be either physical or emotional. It is important to know that a “domestic relationship” isn’t limited to marriage; people who live together can also ask the court for a PFA Order. A knowledgeable Wellsburg criminal lawyer can provide more detailed information on who qualifies.

There are primarily two kinds of PFA orders: Emergency and Ex-parte.

• Emergency PFAs are sought in urgent situations where the person filing (the plaintiff) claims they are in immediate danger of abuse from their partner. This type of PFA is typically only valid until the end of the next business day, at which point the court will decide on the next steps.
• Ex-parte PFAs are granted without the defendant present and last for a longer period, usually until a full hearing can be held.

No matter which type of PFA order is issued, there are several important rules that must be followed while the court is handling the case. Any failure to comply, known as contempt, can lead to severe legal trouble. This is why it is so important to have a skilled Wellsburg DUI attorney to help you manage the legal challenges.

What Is Included in a PFA Order?

A PFA order will list several conditions that the accused person must follow to avoid penalties. These rules can be complicated and hard for someone without a legal background to understand and obey correctly. In these situations, an experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer can offer the guidance you need.

Common restrictions included in a PFA Order can consist of:

• No contact with the plaintiff or any minor children they have together.
• Giving up all parental rights for any minor children to the plaintiff for the duration of the order.
• A ban on entering or living in the home you shared.
• Providing financial support for the plaintiff and any minor children, and other requirements.

And the best way to do that is hire a Wellsburg DUI attorney right away.

What Are the Consequences of Violating a PFA Order?

When a PFA order is violated in West Virginia, it is treated as a criminal offense. The penalties for a PFA violation are significant, and state police can impose harsh punishments on the person found guilty. An arrest is also a possible outcome in some instances. Typically, someone found guilty of violating a PFA can face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and an ‘indirect criminal contempt’ charge on their permanent record. An experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer can help you understand these potential consequences.

To handle the complexities of PFA orders successfully, it is essential to get help from a reputable Wellsburg DUI attorney. Attorney Sean Logue has extensive experience defending these types of cases in Wellsburg and has the skills to help you. By hiring him, you can feel confident that your penalties or charges in PFA cases will be minimized as much as possible. Contact him today at 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free consultation.