Facebook Use and PFA Orders

Being served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order brings about immediate and significant changes to your life. The PFA Act is designed to prevent domestic violence by protecting the physical and mental well-being of individuals. While West Virginia doesn’t have a single law specifically for domestic abuse, it is addressed through various existing criminal statutes. This makes it crucial to quickly seek advice from an experienced lawyer.

At Logue Law Group, we have gathered key information to help protect you from potential penalties or even jail time. Continue reading to understand how using Facebook can be impacted when you are involved in a PFA case.

How Can Facebook Use Become Risky During a PFA Order?

Violating a PFA order through Facebook has become increasingly common. With online communication being so widespread, actions like sending private messages, updating your timeline, and posting public statuses or stories are part of many people’s daily lives. However, when you are under a PFA order, you must restrict these everyday habits. Ignoring this can lead to violations. The most important rule of a PFA order is to have no contact with the person who filed it (the plaintiff). A knowledgeable Wheeling criminal lawyer can provide guidance on what this means for your online activities. Even an action that seems as minor as sending a friend request during court proceedings could be seen as a misdemeanor. Your typical Facebook activities must be paused while a PFA order is in effect.

It’s understandable to be curious about the lives of people you’ve been separated from, especially if you had a domestic relationship. Actions such as looking at their social media profiles, “liking” or reacting to their pictures, or sharing posts on their timelines to get their attention might seem harmless. However, these behaviors can lead to serious legal problems in civil court. A skilled Wheeling DUI attorney can help you understand how to manage your Facebook presence and avoid these issues.

Can a Facebook Violation Be Defended in Civil Court?

Are you concerned about whether a Facebook violation can be defended in court? It can, but having a reputable lawyer is essential for your defense. While you might see your social media interactions as trivial, the court views them very seriously. If you get into trouble for your social media conduct, your Wheeling DUI attorney can argue that your actions were automated rather than intentional. Social media platforms often generate automatic responses and activities, which could be a defense against severe penalties, such as jail time (often up to 6 months) or a fine (up to $1,000). A good criminal lawyer can build this argument for you.

When dealing with such emotionally difficult situations, you can count on Sean Logue, one of the most respected PFA defense attorneys. With years of experience and a strong record of success in PFA cases, he is ready to help you. Call 844.PITT.DUI today to book a free consultation session with a Wheeling criminal lawyer.