PFA Orders and Eviction in West Virginia

Receiving a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in America can create significant and difficult challenges in a person’s life. In West Virginia, these court orders are handled very seriously, falling under domestic abuse laws which are on par with other criminal cases and hate crimes. If you fail to follow the rules laid out in a PFA order, you could be charged with an ‘indirect criminal offense,’ which will go on your legal record.

Another serious consequence of a PFA order is the possibility of being evicted from your home. To avoid making the situation worse, it is vital to get help from a reputable criminal lawyer right away. Being evicted is a deeply stressful experience. However, working with a skilled attorney can help relieve a significant amount of that pressure.

The Wheeling criminal lawyer at Logue Law Group has gathered key information about PFA orders in West Virginia and how they can affect your housing situation.

What a PFA Order Means in West Virginia

PFA orders are issued against a person (the defendant) in domestic abuse situations. Domestic violence is considered a serious crime, and courts step in to protect individuals from both physical and emotional harm. If you are served with an emergency or ex-parte PFA order, you must follow all its rules and conditions. A knowledgeable Wheeling DUI attorney can help you understand the complicated details of the order and what is required of you.

A core rule of any PFA order is that you must have absolutely no contact with the person who filed it (the alleged victim). This is to prevent any further harm. It’s important to understand that this no-contact rule includes all forms of communication, even through social media. Any attempt you make to contact the victim could be used against you in court, so you must be extremely careful.

If you live with the person who filed the PFA, you will inevitably face eviction. If you show any hesitation or hostility about leaving the property, the state police will be called to intervene. The next section will explain more about how PFA orders affect a defendant’s living arrangements.

At Logue Law Group, your rights, safety, and understanding of the legal process are our top priorities. A Wheeling DUI attorney can provide the expertise and support to guide you through the complex procedures related to PFA orders.

Eviction and PFAs

When you are served with a PFA order, you must act quickly to ensure your own safety and legal standing. It is essential to comply with the order, as any resistance could lead to the state police getting involved to enforce it by force.

Furthermore, you should think about the long-term consequences of a PFA charge. Finding a new place to live can be difficult, as many landlords are reluctant to rent to people with legal charges on their record. Getting advice from a trusted legal professional, such as a Wheeling criminal lawyer, can offer valuable insights on how to handle these complex challenges.

What to Do?

It is critical to handle this situation with care. Fortunately, Attorney Sean Logue is an expert in representing clients who are dealing with PFA cases. His team has a proven history of successfully defending accused individuals in court and can provide the protection and guidance you require. Contact them today at 844.PITT.DUI to protect yourself from the legal issues that come with PFA cases.