Facebook Use Restriction in West Virginia PFA Cases

Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders are designed to protect individuals from violence by relatives, whether by blood or marriage. While these orders aim to safeguard alleged victims, they also significantly restrict the civil liberties of the accused. State police and government agencies work together to remove the accused person from the home they share with the plaintiff and enforce a strict no-contact rule.

If you are facing a PFA order, it’s essential to get help from a skilled lawyer. A PFA can create major problems in your personal and professional life, and the court process itself can be emotionally draining. It is crucial to follow all the rules of the PFA order. Not complying with the restrictions can lead to serious penalties. You might be surprised to learn that even your social media activities, including how you use Facebook, will be limited. A knowledgeable Wheeling criminal lawyer can provide guidance.

At Logue Law Group, we’ve gathered key information about Facebook restrictions under a PFA to help you navigate the court process more smoothly.

Facebook No-Contact Rules in PFA Orders

If you use Facebook regularly, a PFA order will change your social media habits. There are specific rules you must follow when using the app. While connecting with people on social media is normal, the no-contact provision of a PFA order applies to your online activities as well.

You are strictly forbidden from messaging, updating your timeline about, or posting anything related to the plaintiff. To understand the exact restrictions in your PFA order, you should consult with an experienced attorney. They have the expertise to help you understand the complexities of PFA orders, which can be confusing for those without legal training. It is also important to note that another common Facebook restriction in West Virginia is sending friend requests or other invites to the plaintiff, as this would be a violation. Your Wheeling DUI attorney can clarify these specific details.

How to Defend Against a Facebook PFA Contempt Charge

If you’re accused of violating a PFA through Facebook, how can you defend yourself? Your lawyer can use two primary defenses to protect your rights:

Defense of Intent

Your lawyer will work to create doubt about whether you intentionally violated the order. On Facebook, messages can be sent to individuals or groups of any size. Sometimes, the person under the PFA might accidentally send a message, like a harmless group invitation or a general post not directed at the protected party. Defense attorneys in West Virginia often use this strategy to argue against unfair penalties, showing there was no intent to make contact. An experienced Wheeling criminal lawyer knows how to effectively present this defense.

Defense of Automated Functions

Did you know that many social media platforms, including Facebook, have hidden automated features? Without the user’s knowledge, Facebook can sometimes generate and send automated messages to multiple people. If the protected person claims you initiated contact in violation of the order, your lawyer can build a defense based on the app’s automated functions. This defense argues that the contact was not initiated by you but by the platform itself.

For expert legal help, consult with Sean Logue, one of West Virginia’s top lawyers, who is known for successfully defending individuals in PFA cases. For a free consultation and answers to your questions about this complex order, contact us at 844.PITT.DUI. We are available 24/7 to assist you. A qualified Wheeling DUI attorney can make a significant difference in your case.