Social Media and PFA Cases in Pennsylvania

Most of our daily interactions happen online, from sending emails and WhatsApp messages to scrolling through Facebook and Instagram. We use social media to connect with friends, family, and the wider world. However, if you are served with a Protection from Abuse (PFA) notice, it’s vital to understand the serious restrictions this places on your online activities.

Pennsylvania law treats domestic violence very seriously, addressing it under existing criminal statutes rather than a separate legal code. Breaching a PFA order can result in penalties as severe as those for other violent crimes. Because these orders can be complex, misunderstandings about their terms can easily happen. Navigating this process effectively requires the expertise of a skilled Wellsburg criminal lawyer. It is essential to get professional guidance to avoid accidental violations.

At Logue Law Group, Wellsburg DUI attorneys are dedicated to helping people understand how a PFA Order can affect their social media use and what steps they need to take.

What Is a PFA Order and Who Is Eligible to File One?

A Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order is a civil court order created to stop domestic violence between people in “domestic settings.” This includes not just physical abuse but also mental harassment, stalking, and sexual assault. When a court issues a PFA, both the court and state police become involved to ensure there is absolutely no contact between the individuals named in the order. It is crucial to adhere to every condition laid out in the order.

The ability to file for a PFA is granted to victims who live with or share a common living space with the person accused of abuse. This includes a broad range of relationships, such as:

• Current and former spouses
• Current and former partners (both sexual and non-sexual)
• Individuals who have a child together
• Parents and minor children
• Siblings and other family members in the same household
• Same-sex couples, whether married or unmarried
• People who have lived together as a couple

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of a PFA order and who can file one, let’s examine how social media fits into this complex picture. A skilled Wellsburg DUI attorney can help you understand the specific nuances of your case and its relation to online behavior.

By presenting this information clearly, Wellsburg criminal lawyers aim to provide a better understanding of PFA cases and the significant impact they have on social media usage.

Your Online Presence During PFA Proceedings

When you are involved in PFA proceedings, it is absolutely essential to manage your online presence in a way that strictly follows the PFA order. You must not, under any circumstances, try to deny or ignore the parts of the order that prohibit contact with the alleged victim through social media.

Furthermore, it is critically important to avoid sharing any details about the court proceedings or posting information about the plaintiff online. Any failure to comply with the PFA order on social media platforms can lead to severe penalties, including fines and jail time. In these situations, seeking advice from a trusted Wellsburg criminal lawyer is highly recommended to receive clear instructions on how to handle your social media accounts.

If minor children are involved and some communication between parents is necessary, you should limit discussions strictly to topics related to the children. Drifting into other, unrelated subjects could negatively impact your court case. Your legal counsel will provide detailed advice on how to manage these specific situations. When facing a complex challenge like a PFA, having the right legal support is critical.

When you are confronted with these difficult situations, Attorney Sean Logue is an excellent choice for your representation. His extensive experience ensures that your PFA proceedings will progress as smoothly and without complications as possible. A knowledgeable Wellsburg DUI attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome. Contact 844.PITT.DUI today to schedule a free consultation.