At Logue Law Group, we have dealt with the clients who were served PFA orders and made sure they can retain the right and get the lenient terms of PFA. PFA orders can take a toll on your job, career, and interpersonal relationships and that is why you need to have the right kind of legal representation.

What is PFA?

PFA or protection from abuse is a court order that is signed by the judge. This is used as civil legal protection for the victim from being abused by the other members of the family or the intimate partner. The abuse can be from physical injury to any bodily harm. In Pennsylvania, the abuse means,

• Serious bodily injury
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated indecent assault
• False imprisonment
• Committing a crime repeatedly will make the abused fearful for their life.

Who Can File the Petition of PFA?

Any adult who is over 18 years old or an emancipated minor can file for the case. Take a look at the following points:

• The PFA can be filed against the spouse or the former spouse
• The PFA can be filed against the other parent of the child even if both parties don’t live together
• The PFA can be filed against someone with whom the victim shares the same house
• The PFA can be filed against the person whom the victim dates or used to date

What Happens When Someone Files a PFA?

There are three types of PFA orders that the victim can get.

Temporary PFA

This is issued at the time of emergency. The plaintiff will connect with the on-call judge and get the PFA issued temporarily. This will be valid till the time the petitioner goes to court.

Ex Parte PFA

Ex Parte is also a temporary PFA order that can last for 15 days to one month. This will happen when the danger for the victim is too high and the defendant cannot come to court. This will be valid till the time the victim goes for the final PFA.

Final PFA

This can be valid for three years. The victim and the defendant both will be able to give their inputs in this type of PFA order.

What Happens When You Text the Plaintiff?

Getting PFA means that you are not allowed to send a text to the plaintiff. Even you are not supposed to send a formal text to them either. PFA clearly states that the respondent is not supposed to get in touch with the plaintiff in any way possible and that is why you cannot send any text no matter how innocent it might seem.

In case you violate the term of PFA by reaching out to the plaintiff, you will get criminal contempt for violating PFA orders. That will add to your current criminal charges too.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

It can be confusing and overwhelming to understand and follow the PFA order unless you have complete clarity about the case. That is why you need to come to Logue Law Group so that our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer can help you.

Protection From Abuse Order Process

The plaintiff can get the temporary PFA order that will provide them protection from the abuse. The plaintiff can get an emergency PFA order and/or ex parte PFA order. For both of these orders, the judge will assume that the plaintiff’s accusations are right.

“The order shall remain in effect until modified or terminated by the court after notice and hearing.

The court may also order that the police confiscate any guns or firearms you own or possess if the plaintiff’s petition demonstrates:

1. Abuse which involves a firearm or other weapon.
2. An immediate and present danger of abuse. In determining whether an immediate and present danger of abuse exists, the court shall consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
   1. Whether the temporary order of protection from abuse is not likely to achieve its purpose in the absence of such a condition.
   2. Whether the defendant has previously violated a protection from abuse order.
   3. Whether past or present abuse to the plaintiff or any of the plaintiff’s minor children resulted in injury.
   4. Whether the abuse occurred in public.
   5. Whether the abuse includes:
      1. threats of abuse or suicide;
      2. killing or threatening to kill pets;
      3. an escalation of violence;
      4. stalking or obsessive behavior;
      5. sexual violence; or
      6. drug or excessive alcohol use.”

23 Pa. Stat. § 6107(b).

When you will get the notification of the PFA order, the court will notify you about the date of the final hearing. You will also be advised about

• Your right to retain and be represented by the counsel
• Your right to produce evidence
• Right of compelling the witnesses and how will that happen
• Whether the court will make you give up your firearms.

“The court shall, at the time the defendant is given notice of the hearing, advise the defendant of the right to be represented by counsel, of the right to present evidence, of the right to compel attendance of witnesses, of the method by which witnesses may be compelled, of the possibility that any firearm, other weapon or ammunition owned and any firearm license possessed may be ordered temporarily relinquished, of the options for relinquishment of a firearm pursuant to this chapter, of the possibility that Federal or State law may prohibit the possession of firearms, including an explanation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) (relating to unlawful acts) and 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms), and that any protection order granted by a court may be considered in any subsequent proceedings under this title. “

23 Pa. Stat. § 6107(a).

Hearing for the Final PFA Order

The final hearing of the PFA order is the most crucial phase. This is the only opportunity where you, the defendant, will get a chance to tell your side of the story. The judge will listen to both the parties and get evidence and witness from both and then will come to a decision. In this hearing, the plaintiff will have the burden of truth. They will have to show that the relation of the plaintiff and the defendant qualifies for the order, the incident of the domestic violence has happened and there is still a looming threat of more danger. The people who will qualify for this can be:

• Current or former spouse
• Intimate partner
• Member of the same family by blood or by marriage
• Parents and kids
• Siblings
• Those who share a child together

For proving the fact that there is still danger for the plaintiff, he or she can produce many evidences. This can include the police or court records, photos of injury any kind of message like email, text and so on. The plaintiff can also bring witness to testify for the fact and the history of abuse in your relationship.

In this stage, the judge will consider your prior history that will help them determine whether there is any chance of future risk for the plaintiff and their child. The facts that will be considered are:

• Any prior PFA order against you
• History of getting arrested
• Conviction for domestic violence in the past
• History of conviction for alcohol and drug abuse including DUI and selling substance
• History of child abuse or negligence

The plaintiff might also bring hearsay witness who will testify against you as the defendant outside court to increase the credibility of the charges. Even though the court might not allow the hearsay witnesses but it can if you are not defended by an experienced Pittsburgh PFA lawyer. The lawyer will successfully represent you in the court and help you get the rightful justice.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you understand PFA order and what you should not do, especially if you have any prior conviction. Connect with us and get the justice you deserve with your rights protected.

That is why you need to retain the right Pittsburgh PFA lawyer who will be able to inform you about the seriousness of the court order and guide you through the legal procedure. At Logue Law Group, we have dealt with many clients who were served PFA. And we have successfully helped them get more lenient terms. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you understand the court order better.

What not to Do After Getting a PFA

When you get notified that you have got a PFA issued against you, this will surely put you in a difficult situation. This will mean that someone has accused you of domestic violence or being abusive. Both of these allegations are very serious for you. You might feel tempted to respond rashly but it will not be a good idea. Rather, it will get you into more trouble.

There are three types of PFA orders and emergency, Ex Parte and Final PFA orders. As they are all court orders, you are bound to abide by them. Violating them will result in criminal contempt. This will result in 6months of jail time and fine up to $1000. Along with that, if you possess any firearm, that might get confiscated. While underlying PFA doesn’t show in a criminal record, the contempt of the court order will get added up in your criminal record.

That is why it is crucial that you don’t violate the PFA order any way. During the PFA order, you must not connect with the plaintiff. You must not even reach out and ask why the order is issued against you. If you share a house or an apartment with the plaintiff, then you should look for another place to live so that you don’t remain close to the plaintiffs. The main aim should be that you don’t violate any of the provisions of the order.

What to Do After Getting a PFA

Some of the provisions of the PFA can have very distinct instructions that you should follow. These provisions can include that you will not get the license for the possession of another firearm. The provisions might include the terms that will specify that you are not only required to refrain from getting in touch with the plaintiff but also you must not get in touch with any family members and friends. You need to ensure that you are in compliance with the terms of the PFA order.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At the time of PFA, connect with Pittsburgh PFA lawyer. Come to Logue Law Group. We will protect your rights while ensuring you get the rightful justice. For a free consultation, call us now.

When you suddenly get the PFA order, things might feel overwhelming for you. You might not be aware of the provisions it will cover. That is why you might violate one inadvertently. This is why you need to get in touch with the right Pittsburgh PFA lawyer. At Logue Law Group, we have defended many clients who have been served with PFA orders. We will fight for your rights too.

What Is PFA Order?

PFA or Protection from Abuse is a court order which will be filed in the case of domestic abuse. PFA order will prohibit the defendant to take some actions. The person filing the PFA order is known as the plaintiff. There are three types of PFA orders in Pennsylvania. The most commonly used one is called an emergency PFA order. If the plaintiff is in danger and needs protection, they can connect with the on-call judge who will grant the emergency PFA order. The defendant doesn’t get to know about this unless the court sends them to notice. This is a temporary order in nature. The plaintiff can file the ex parte PFA that will be temporary too and doesn’t need the defendant to be present at the hearing.

In both of these cases, the defendant will receive the notice of PFA from the court. The next type of PFA order is final and will be issued at a hearing in front of the judge. The hearing will happen at the local court of common pleas. In this type of PFA order, the defendant gets a chance to defend themselves and produce evidence. The judge will consider both viewpoints and decide whether the PFA will be issued or not. This is the time when the judge also considers the provisions and terms in the PFA.

How Can PFA Restrict Using Firearm?

With the second amendment, every citizen of the USA got the right of carrying firearms. However, this right can be affected due to some criminal offenses. The PFA order can not only restrict the use of the firearm but also can relinquish the firearm altogether. Most of the time, PFA is issued in cases of domestic violence. That is why the defendant is supposed to give their firearm to the authority until the charges are resolved.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

When you are facing a PFA order and looking for legal assistance, come to us at Logue Law Group. We are experienced in representing the defendants in court and have got our previous clients the rightful justice. For you, we can do the same. We can represent you in the court and ensure that the PFA is not issued or even if it is, the terms are lenient for you. For getting a free consultation from our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer, call us today.

If you have been charged with a domestic violence case, it is obvious that you are currently under a lot of pressure. Seeking legal help should be your immediate priority. When you are looking for the right Pittsburgh PFA lawyer, come to us at Logue Law Group. We are one of the best teams in the state to represent you in court.

PFA Orders

PFA or the protection from abuse is popularly known as a restraining order. This is a court order that is issued against the defendant by the plaintiff. Upon the issue of the court order, you as the defendant will be notified. Three types of PFA orders can be issued. The first one is an emergency PFA order. This is the order that the plaintiff can get from the on-call judge. The judge will depend on the evidence produced by the plaintiff and then give the order. This is a temporary order in effect. After that, the plaintiff can file an ex parte PFA order. This is also temporary. But the victim or the plaintiff needs to go to court to get the hearing. However, with this order too, the defendant doesn’t get to know about the order until the court notifies you.

The next type of PFA is the final one. For this, the plaintiff and the defendant both will need to be present at the court. This hearing will happen in front of the judge. If you are served the notice, then this is your only chance to defend yourself. In this case, the plaintiff as well as the defendant both can argue and depending on that, the judge will decide. if the judge issues the PFA order, yet the defendant has the chance to include the lenient terms in the provision.

How the Living Situation Might Be Affected

When a PFA case has been filed, the defendant gets the court order to stay away from the plaintiff. In the case of domestic violence, the partners are supposed to live together and this kind of situation can create a lot of complications. In case the person is a tenant in an apartment, they might have to sign the document that will state that you must not have any criminal charges or PFA orders. Even if the order mandates it, the defendant might have to leave their own home. At the time of the PFA order, our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you to ensure you get the lenient provisions.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, we have dealt with many cases involving domestic violence and PFA. If you get notified by the court, come to us and let our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer represent you. For a free consultation, give us a call.

At Logue Law Group, we have dealt with many PFA cases where our clients got favorable judgment for them. If you got the notice of PFA, come to us to consult a Pittsburgh PFA lawyer.

PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

The PFA order is a court order and it gets issued when the victim alleges the offender for domestic abuse. PFA or protection from abuse order will serve as a shield to protect the victim from the alleged abuser. In Pennsylvania, there are different types of PFA that a person can get. The first type is an emergency PFA order. This can be issued by the on-call judge and can give protection to the abused for a limited time. This will be issued in the situation of emergency. The plaintiff can also file Ex Parte PFA at the court. But in both of these cases, the defendant might not get to know that the PFA case has been filed against them.

In both of these cases, the defendant gets a notice from the court stating that the PFA has been issued for them. The defendant is supposed to be present at the court on the date of the final PFA order. For this one, the defendant will get a chance to present their defense and evidence to fight the charges. Even if the judge grants the final PFA, the defendant has the opportunity to ensure that their terms get considered by the judge for this.

How PFA Can Affect You In Terms of Employment?

You might be surprised to know that when you get PFA, it will affect your life in various ways. Even though technically, the PFA notice is not as serious as a criminal charge, but the employer might be interested to know if you have any kind of legal matters pending or not. This is more important for the jobs that require the certification of the state, for the legal, medical or professional field. Even if the defendant might not be in these fields, yet the PFA order can affect their standing and the place they are in.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, we have handled many such complicated PFA cases where the employment of the defendant came at risk. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer is experienced and will defend you aggressively in court. We understand how difficult it must be for you to deal with and we ensure that we will guide you through the process. Call us today for a free consultation.

If you are wondering how you can take such a serious step on your own, then don’t worry. We, Logue Law Group are here for you. We ensure that you get the rightful justice and you can remain protected by the law from the abuser. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you in this matter.

Domestic Violence Law in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania state takes the matter of domestic violence very seriously. It is because of the devastating effect of the situation on the victim as well as the children involved. To stop the abuser from being even more dangerous and to offer the abused some legal protection, the state grants a Protection from abuse order so that the abuser can be stopped immediately. It will help you the abused to have some security while the abuser gets to be stopped without the criminal charges in the first place. If you can get the PFA order, it will stop the abuse immediately. Also, another benefit of PFA is that it will move very quickly than any other law. You can get overnight emergency PFA orders too.

Types of PFA orders

There are three types of PFA orders that you can get.

Emergency PFA Order

This is granted in the time of the worst kind of domestic violence cases. This order can be issued by the magisterial district judge on call and the release happens immediately. For getting this order, you as the plaintiff will have to prove that you are in immediate danger and you need immediate legal intervention. The emergency PFA order doesn’t require having a hearing where the abuser will be present too. This order remains in effect overnight and you need to go for another PFA the next business day.

Ex Parte PFA Order

This one is more permanent than the emergency order. This will require a hearing and a judge to be convinced that you are abused and in immediate danger. This will be proved by the preponderance of the evidence that will show you are not safe. If you are successful, then you will get a ten days order and then you will have the final hearing.

Final PFA Order

The final PFA order will give you the best protection and will help you stay safe for the next three years. This will also require a hearing where your abuser will get to present their arguments too. But once granted, you will get enough time to heal and find solace from the trauma you have suffered from.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer will listen to your case and will ensure that you are getting the rightful justice you deserve. For a free consultation, give us a call.

When you are abused, you can go to court and ask for temporary PFA order. Issuing temporary PFA order will depend on whether you were abused by a family member or the partner or not. For this type of PFA order, the judge only listens to the accusations of the plaintiff. However, at the same time, the judge determines the date when the final PFA order will be issued. For this PFA order, the plaintiff and the defendant both can present their arguments and evidence. The plaintiff will need to show that the parties involved qualify as the relationship and the incident of violence has happened. The relationships that will qualify for the PFA order are current or former internment partners, people who share a child or people who are related by blood or marriage. The abuse can be rape and sexual assault, bodily harm and life-threatening assaults, burglary, theft and so on. When the plaintiff can prove that they are abused and in danger, the judge will issue the final PFA Order that will be effective for three years. The defendant will be restricted from getting in touch with the plaintiff or the children by any means. They will have to leave the shared home too.Vacating PFA Order

The court can reconsider the PFA order only in some exceptional cases:

• You did not get the notice of the PFA. In the case of the temporary PFA, the defendant will be served notice by the police. It should be within thirty days from the temporary PFA. However, at times, the police or the authority serves the wrong person or doesn’t send the notice at all. In such cases, by default, the judge will require to fix another date for the hearing.
• The judge might reconsider the date of hearing for the final PFA order if the defendant has genuine cause to miss the date. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will ensure that the court vacates the PFA. It can be a serious illness, being out of town and so on.
• It can also be vacated if the court doesn’t have jurisdiction over you. This can happen in the case when the service is improper. However, as the defendant, you will have to prove this so that you can get to vacate the PFA order.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, our experienced Pittsburgh PFA lawyer has successfully vacated the final PFA order in the past for many times. We can do the same for you. Come to us right away for consultation.

How to Help a Friend Through a PFA Hearing?

The first way is to understand the seriousness of the Act. PFA orders are dictates through which the court levies a zero contact rule towards the restricted party. Communication is important to everyone. When one is unable to contact his/her close one, during a PFA order it becomes a taxing and daunting experience. Moreover, if a child is involved in the case, not seeing a particular parent can cause different types of trauma. Going through a PFA order is burdensome and your friend will need every kind of help.

The first piece of advice which you can offer to your friend is to hire the services of a Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer immediately. Unless your friend gets a lawyer on board, the complexities of a PFA order will not be clear to him/her. If the contents of a PFA order are not clear, it can lead to violations which is a terrible consequence. A defense lawyer will aid your friend’s case and see to it that he/she faces minimum penalties or punishments.

It is difficult to watch your close friends or their children go through a PFA order. Separation is a difficult sentiment to process and you need to provide as much support to your friend as you can. There is much case-related help that you can provide too. These are-

You Can Attend the Hearing

After a skilled Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer is appointed to your friend’s case, it is going to be easier for them. However, having close friends and family during the hearing of a PFA hearing will make them feel stronger than before. During such dire situations, it is essential to have the back of the restricted party. They are already facing the harsh scrutiny of society and your support will mean the world to them.

You Can Serve as a Witness

Most experienced Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer have agreed that when close friends and family act as witnesses to the PFA case proceeding, it becomes less of a tiring experience. If you get the opportunity to testify as a witness for your friend, take it. You will be able to shed light on the relationship that both parties share and your testimonials will act in favor of the restricted party. Many cases have been seen where the penalties and punishments of the restricted were minimized by close friend’s testimonials.

If the protected party has levied charges on your friend, your confessions can be used to lift them. It can be seen in many cases that false allegations have been levied on the restricted where testimonies from friends and family have saved the day. You need to provide honest confessions on the behalf of your friend to minimize PFA charges on him/her.

PFA orders can turn lives around. Adults are affected by the decision of one and the worst damage is meted to the child. Children have suffered many kinds of emotional trauma when his/her parents were involved in a PFA hearing. Separation from any parent is not the ideal situation and since your friend has to maintain zero contact with them, you can help the kids through the PFA hearing.

Guiding a Child Through PFA Hearing

PFA hearings are a hard hit for children. Their idea of an ‘ideal family’ breaks and their confidence and emotional support shatters. At times it has been observed that prosecutors misguide children in a PFA hearing to levy maximum penalties and punishments for the restricted party. Never let your family handle the case on his/her own. You need to guide your friend to hire a skilled defense lawyer.

At times, it becomes difficult to establish any kind of contact with a child because of the zero-contact policy. In any terms, your friend cannot establish communication via physical or electronic means. However, you can consult the lawyer on your friend’s behalf and contact the kids. It has been seen that the protected party has allowed the restricted party’s friends to visit and communicate with the child. The plaintiff might be hesitant to let the restricted party’s family meet the child and here is the moment where you can step in as a friend. Whenever you meet the child, it is important to make the child feel as normal as possible. Do not in any way try to poison the child’s mind. Some prosecutors might hold your communication as a violation of the PFA. At all times, ensure the child about a secure future and the fact that both sets of parents have nothing but love for them.

You need to be honest with the child. Sometimes the protected party might mislead the child on his/her side but you need to step with the truth about the situation. If a child is kept in dark for long, it proves to be devastating for their psyche.

According to many top counselors of the USA, PFAs and the restriction of having contact with the child has more severe effects on the child than an adult. Sometimes they feel let down and get the impression of choosing a parent. Choosing any parent is not easy for a child. In these cases, the most you can do as a friend is to find the restricted party a skilled Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer who will guarantee minimum damages. Attorney Sean Logue is at your rescue. He deals with utmost care and caution when a child is involved in a PFA hearing. He understands the complexities of the case and ensures minimum damages. Call him at 412.387.6901 to get the best advice for your loved one!

At Logue Law Group, we have fought for many PFA cases where our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer ensured favorable outcomes for our clients. It is obvious that you are under a lot of pressure in this situation. So, without any delay, talk to our lawyer today.

PFA Order in Pennsylvania

A PFA order or protection from abuse order is a court order that has been used to establish rules between two people in a domestic violence case. While the person filing for the PFA order is called the plaintiff and the person against whom it is filed is called the defendant. A plaintiff can file various types of PFA orders against the defendant. The first type is the Emergency PFA order that gets issued by the on call judge. The judge has the full discretion of considering the situation to be an emergency. Another type of PFA order is “ex parte” which extends the emergency PFA order to a few more days. In these both cases, the defendant doesn’t get to know that the plaintiff has appealed for the orders. A trial is not held in both of these PFA orders.

The final PFA order is a long-lasting court order. Both the plaintiff and the defendant will be required to be present in court for the order to be passed. This is the only chance for the defendant to present their argument in front of the judge. You will require the help of a Pittsburgh PFA lawyer in this case.

Defense Against PFA Order

If you are facing a PFA order, then you will be required to remain present in the court for the final trial. You need to consult with a Pittsburgh PFA lawyer so that they can present the evidence and argument against the PFA order. Even if the order gets issued against you, the judge considers the argument of the defendant to determine the terms of the PFA order. The duration of the effect of the PFA order is several years.

Consult with Pittsburgh PFA lawyer

Facing the charges of domestic violence as well as the PFA order can feel like confusing and overwhelming for various reasons. And that is why you need the help of an experienced Pittsburgh PFA lawyer who can aggressively defend you in the court. And that is why you need to come to Logue Law Group. We are experienced lawyers and we have fought several cases of PFA orders where the defendant has got favorable outcome. We will fight for you too. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

At Logue Law Group, we have represented many defendants and successfully got the charges and PFA order dismissed. If you are in a situation like this and wondering what to do, come to us and let us help you.

What is a PFA Order?

In Pennsylvania, the court can issue PFA orders for a broad spectrum of crimes including abuse, assault, sexual assault, threats for bodily injury, serious injury and many other things. The most common causes that get PFA orders are domestic violence. The PFA can be temporary or final.

Temporary PFA

If the plaintiff of their children is in the position of immediate danger, then they can seek a PFA order from the magisterial district on call judge. This will be effective for twenty-four hours. If the plaintiff needs extended protection, then they can go for the hearing and get ex parte PFA order. While this is also a temporary provision, yet it offers protection to the victim and the minor in danger. For this hearing, the judge assumes the allegations to be true and along with the PFA order, they notify the defendant about the final PFA hearing.

Final PFA Hearing

The final PFA order is more permanent in nature with the validation for three years. As the defendant, you need to appear in court for this hearing as this is your only opportunity to tell your side of the story. Even if the court issues a PFA order, it will pay attention to your evidence and argument and grant you more lenient provisions. Though it is not compulsory to hire a lawyer, yet, an experienced Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you protect your right, explain the provisions to you and even help in the dismissal of the order.

Final Protection From Abuse Hearing

During the final hearing, the PFA order is supposed to get dismissed. While you and the plaintiff both can tell your side of the story, the lawyer will get a chance to cross examine the evidence and the witnesses for you. The responsibility of the plaintiff will be to produce the preponderance of the evidence which will determine that the two of you are in a domestic relationship. You both can be the former or current spouse, siblings, parent and child, intimate or dating partner, family members related by blood or marriage.

Relationships like colleagues, classmate or neighbors won’t be qualified for the order. The PFA act defines abuse in the following way:

(1) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon; (2) Placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury; (3) The infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2903; (4) Physically or sexually abusing minor children, including such terms as defined in Chapter 63; and (5) knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person, without proper authority, under the circumstances which place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury. (23 Pa. Stat. §6102)

If you have not been convicted for the domestic abuse crime or there is no objective or medical records, it is most likely that the plaintiff will not get the PFA order. This can lead to the dismissal of the PFA order.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

Come to Logue Law Group and get a chance to dismiss the PFA order against you. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you with that. For a free consultation, call us today.

Basics of a PFA OrderWhat Are a Plaintiff and a Defendant?

The one who goes to file a domestic abuse charge is the plaintiff. He/She will be the one whom the PFA order will protect. On the other hand, the defendant is the one who is allegedly accused of domestic violence. He/She will become the restricted party. When the plaintiff files the PFA order against you, you become the ex-parte which means your presence is not required for the order to be filed.

Is the PFA Order Civil or Criminal?

By nature, the PFA is a civil matter. If the alleged accuser does file a PFA order against you, it would not be criminal unless there are domestic violence charges in you. When a PFA is accompanied with Domestic Abuse charges it becomes criminal in nature.

The PFA does not fall under the criminal jurisdiction of Pennsylvania but once you violate the terms of it, you can face maximum penalties and jail time.

Who Can File a PFA Order Against You?

Pennslyvania regards PFA for those involved in “domestic relationships”. These relationships may include-

• Spouse
• Ex-spouse
• Common-law spouse
• Your parent, your non-minor child, or anyone related to you by blood
• An in-law or anyone related to you by marriage
• A current or former intimate partner
• Someone you share biological parenthood of a child over (the father or mother of your child)

What Are the Kinds of Penalties for a PFA Order?

The state is strict with PFA orders. A good Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer will advise you to not violate the terms and work with the court to minimize the punishments. However, these are the penalties involved-

• You can be charged with a $1000 penalty.
• Serving six to eight months prison time is a possible consequence.
• The PFA order can see a possible extension if you are found violating it or troubling the protected party.
• Any kind of weapons, ammunition, firearms, used to threaten or harass the protected party will be immediately confiscated. You might also not be able to use a firearm for the next five years.

What to Do When You Are Served With a PFA?

• An experienced Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer will suggest you not act aggressively towards the protected party. The main concern of a PFA issued to take care that the protected party is not harassed in any which way. If you maintain good behavior in court, it will be easier for your defense lawyer to minimize charges.
• A PFA order must be read immediately and with a skilled Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer. All that you need to go is mentioned in the papers. Act according to the papers. Vacate the house immediately, go zero contact with your spouse and/or children, etc. If you do not act as per the papers, it will be used against you in courts as an act of violation.
• A PFA order comes to effect almost immediately after it is issued and lasts for 10 days after which the judge decided the next course of action. Do not for one second think that you can take small steps. Hire a defense attorney, work out a plan and get to work as soon as possible. Time is what you do not have when a PFA order is issued!
• Many accused make the mistake of ignoring and/or neglecting an order. If you have an experienced attorney on board, he/she will advise you against it. The PFA order is made to take immediate action so do not make the mistake of ignoring it. Otherwise, a temporary PFA will turn into a permanent one causing more troubles in your life.

What Should You Do Before the Hearing of Your PFA?

• Never under any circumstance contact the protected party. The PFA has been made keeping in mind restrictions and zero-contact policies. Sometimes partners think that establishing contact with the accuser will save them from punishments, instead, it will do more harm than good. The court will find you guilty of violating the charge and enforce penalties and jail time on your record.
• If you have any communication recorded of you and the protected party, save it for your Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer. He/She can use it to your advantage in court. It is necessary to keep calm before you go to the court and remember all details between you and the accuser. If there’s any evidence found which will make your side stronger, you will not be penalized.
• There are many ways that a witness can turn the proceeding in your favor. On your own, you would not know how to use a witness and the court might not consider it. Choose an experienced defense attorney who understands all the requirements of your case. He/She will make sure that your witnesses are used to your favor.

If you are not ready or are waiting for evidence/witnesses to turn up, consult your lawyer and ask for a date change. The court considers a hearing date change for valid reasons. Going unready to the court for a PFA hearing might prove detrimental to you. Instead, change the date, consult your lawyer, and have a smooth hearing.

In any case, it is necessary to hire the services of a skilled lawyer who has defends other clients like you. Attorney Sean Logue provides the best defense in Pittsburgh and West Virginia areas. He has been working as a defense lawyer for many years and has lifted the weight of penalties from many shoulders in a PFA case. Contact him at 412.387.6901 to get the best guidance in PFA cases.

If you are in a situation like this, you need to get legal assistance so that you can stop the abuser. And that can happen with getting a PFA order. Protection from Abuse or PFA order will stop your abuser from not only assaulting you but also sharing the same house with you. Come to Logue Law Group right away and get the rightful justice that you deserve with the help of our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer.

You must have many questions about the PFA order. In the following points, we have tried to answer them.

What is the Difference Between a Restraining Order and a PFA Order?

There is no difference between these two. PFA or protection from abuse is the term that is used in Pennsylvania in cases of abuse. This also requires the abuser to stay away from the victim and even leave the home after getting served the order much like restraining order in other states.

I Need Protection Now. What Can I Do?

With PFA, you can get emergency protection. This is a temporary type of protection that will stop the abuser immediately to affect you in any way. This order will be issued by the magisterial district on call judge. This will give you the protection over night and after that, the next business day, you will have to proceed to the court to get longer PFA order.

How Does the PFA Order Protect Me?

When someone gets the PFA order, they immediately need to stop contacting you right away. They cannot disturb you in any way possible including call or texts. They will be prohibited from contacting your family or friends too. If they possess a firearm, that will be relinquished. They will be prohibited to get new weapons too. Violating the PFA order will be a contempt of court that will give the abuser six months of imprisonment and $1000 fine.

Will PFA Protect My Children?

Yes, PFA will not only protect you but will protect your children too. The abuser loses child custody even if it is temporary. Also, the PFA order will prohibit the abuser to connect with the shared children and to stalk them to school and so on.

How Can I Get Legal Assistance?

While emergency PFA will save you from immediate danger, you will need to apply for the final PFA that will be effective for three years. Even though the defendant will get to present their argument, your Pittsburgh PFA lawyer should ensure that you get the rightful justice.

Come to Logue Law Group. Our lawyer is experienced in handling PFA cases and has helped many victims. You will get the best outcome with us. Call us for a free consultation.

What Does a Protection From Abuse Order Signify?

A Protection from Abuse Act was made to protect domestic abuse victims and/or victims of stalking, harassment, threat, etc. The state takes the Act seriously and is strict about the proceedings regarding it. Pennsylvania saw a huge rise in domestic abuse cases and other similar nature crimes in the last 20 years. To curtail these events, the PFA order uses law forces like police, court, etc. to protect all alleged victims.

All PFA orders ensure that the one who files the order will get protection from the law. On the other hand, the restricted party will have to stop communicating or contacting the protected party. If you have been served a PFA order, it is time to hire a Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer. He/She will make sure you understand all the necessary details of the order and do not act against it.

What Are the Criteria to Issue a PFA Order?

Usually, PFA orders are levied against those with whom you have “domestic relationships”. At times the court grants a PFA order to a live-in partner too. The main part that you need to understand is anyone with whom you share a close relationship, is capable of filing a PFA order against you. These relationships qualify for a PFA order-

• Current or former intimate or sexual partners,
• Current spouse or former spouse,
• Your parent or child,
• Same-sex couples,
• Someone who lived with you as a spouse or currently does,
• Someone related to you by blood or by marriage,
• Your brother or sister, or
• Someone with whom you have a child.

PFA orders cannot be filed by your neighbors, friends, co-workers, house staff, etc. It is exclusively available for those with whom you share a personal, close relation. A person under the age of 18 cannot file a PFA order against you on their own. Instead, their guardians or parents can file it on their behalf. Your Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer will explain the best course of action that you should undertake if a PFA order has been charged against you.

How Does a PFA Order Affect Your Online Activity?

There are many changes that your Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer will advise you to make in your online activity once a PFA order has been charged. If you have an online blog or any site where you post about your personal life (incidents related to the protected party), you have to take it down. Your defense lawyer will ask you to not make any comments regarding the protected party on their social media or your own. If you are found violating these norms of a PFA order, you will be charged with a violation which will to a hefty fine and even jail time. Sometimes, it has been observed that the alleged accused have forged identities of the other party and themselves and made online posts and/or stories. This act is also regarded as a violation.

You cannot text or email the protected party. If you think that the online communication restriction is not applied to all kinds of electronic communication, you are wrong. If you are found violating the order by communicating in via any electronic services, the court will hold you responsible and take strict charges against you. Sometimes it has been seen that the restricted party has tried to make contact via his/her friends or family. A skilled defense lawyer would advise you against it. Although you won’t be held in contempt for this, one would have to tread carefully with the state in PFA order charges.

Does a PFA Order Make Any Changes in Your Social Media Life?

Plenty. It has been observed in many PFA cases in Pennsylvania that the restricted party has contacted the plaintiff aggressively via social media apps thinking it won’t be counted as a violation. The state of Pennsylvania is developing and modernizing its protection acts as per the times. Yes, indeed, social media was not considered a violation but more and more protected parties were feeling unsafe, threatened, and harassed through these apps. If you have a PFA order issued against you, hire the services of an experienced Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer and chalk out plans in which you can use your social media handles. Apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat have small groups in which you and the alleged victim may be a part. It is always advised to leave those groups and any common social media chat that both of you share. If you maintain distancing, the court will rule out the possibility of you being a threat and the order will be taken off you.

Your lawyer will always advise you to keep your accounts private on all social media apps. If the plaintiff or his/her friends and family check out your social media posts and finds anything remotely close to a violation of the PFA order, chances are the restriction period will increase and fines will also be applied. Also, under no circumstances should you check out the handles of the restricted party. Curiosity creates temptation but is best to keep all your curious feelings at rest.

PFA orders are a tricky business. Since only close people can file it against you, it becomes a taxing and emotional experience. You need the best guidance during these times to avoid making any violations to the order. Attorney Sean Logue is the best help for you. He has handled similar cases in the past and will protect all your rights and work to minimize penalties and/or punishments. Call him at 412.387.6901 to get help for you or your loved ones in these trying times.

If you have been notified that you are charged with domestic violence and a PFA order has been issued against you, then right now you are in a deep mess. You need the right kind of legal assistance during this time. Thus, you need to get in touch with us at Logue Law Group. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will represent you in court and ensure that you get the rightful justice.

What is a Protection From Abuse Order?

A PFA order gets issued when this is a case of domestic violence and the plaintiff is in immediate danger due to domestic violence. There are three types of PFA orders. The first one is emergency PFA order. As the name suggests, this is an order that has been issued in the case of emergency. If the plaintiff is in imminent danger, they can file for emergency PFA order. This will be issued by the on-call judge. It is the judge’s discretion that will determine if the plaintiff is actually at risk or not. The defendant against whom the order is issued doesn’t get to offer any input. This order of PFA is temporary in nature. There is another type of temporary PFA order that can be issued against the defendant. This is named ex parte PFA order. For this, the plaintiff will have to go to court and the judge will issue the order depending on the evidence. The defendant doesn’t get to give any input in this matter too. In both cases, the defendant gets notified by the court.

The last type of PFA is the final PFA order. For this, the plaintiff and the defendant will have to be present in front of the judge. This is where the defendant can produce arguments and evidence to fight the PFA order. In this stage, our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will fight aggressively for you and ensure the rightful justice. Even if the judge issues PFA, the defendant gets to give inputs for the provisions and terms.

Criminal Contempt in PFA Order

Violating the term laid out by the PFA order is a criminal offense. If even you as the defendant violate the terms inadvertently, you might face criminal charges for this. In the case of violation, you will get six months of jail time and $1000 fines. You will have a record of being guilty in court. If you are facing domestic violence charges, this will add up to that.

Connect With Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer

At Logue Law Group, we have dealt with many cases involving PFA orders. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer is here to help you. Call us today and get a free consultation.

When you are charged with the allegations of domestic violence and you get a PFA order, then naturally you will feel apprehensive. For anyone dealing with these, both can be difficult. And that is why you need the right legal assistance. That is why Logue Law Group is here for you. Our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will help you get out of these situations while defending you aggressively in court and getting your charges dropped

PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

A PFA order is a court order that is also popularly known as restraining order too. In the case of domestic charges getting a PFA order is a common thing. The one who goes to the judge for the order is known as the plaintiff and the one who gets the order is known as the defendant. There can be three different types of PFA orders that you can get. The first one is the emergency PFA order. This is issued in the emergent case where the plaintiff is in immediate danger. This order is issued by the on-call judge to protect the plaintiff from the abuse. For this order, the defendant doesn’t get to give any inputs. They get notified that they have got a PFA order. However, the nature of this type of order is temporary. After this, the plaintiff can file a plea for an ex parte PFA order. This order should be issued by the court after a hearing. However, the defendant doesn’t get to give any input in this matter too. They will be notified by the court.

The third type of PFA order is the final PFA order. This order is issued by the court after a hearing, where the plaintiff and the defendant get to present their argument and evidence. This is a crucial one where the terms of the PFA get determined too. Even if you are served with a PFA order, you still can give inputs for the provisions and terms of the PFA order. During this stage, the Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will represent you in the court and guide you to get the rightful justice.

Criminal Charges Associated With PFA Order

Along with some serious criminal charges, the defendant gets the PFA order. After this, they will be charged if the terms of the PFA order are violated. While the state doesn’t define the violation of PFA order to be something in particular. But this violation will get you criminal contempt. Even if you inadvertently violate the PFA order, you will get criminal contempt. For this, you will get six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1000. Along with this, a criminal record will be there in your name. That is why you need to connect with a Pittsburgh PFA lawyer.

Connect With Us

At Logue Law Group, we have defended many clients with PFA orders. We have ensured that they don’t get the order or even if they get it, the terms are lenient. Come to us and let our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer help you. Call us for a free consultation.

No one likes Domestic Violence. It is ugly. It can tear a family apart. Prosecutors are quick to file charges for these types of crimes. District Attorneys typically believe that these are not isolated incidents. They want to move fast to protect the victim. Getting you behind bars is a priority for the D.A.’s office. If you have been accused of Domestic Violence a Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer may be able to help you. You should know that the odds are stacked against you if you have already been indicted for a crime. You are already guilty in the eyes of the prosecution. Sean and his team will utilize their knowledge of the Pennsylvania Legal System to defend your rights and protect your freedom.

If you have been charged with contempt of PFA order, you might get arrested. That is why retaining Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer is necessary. Come to Logue Law Group. We are the right team to offer you support.

Types of Pennsylvania PFA Order

There are three types of PFA order in Pennsylvania:

Emergency PFA Order

The emergency PFA order gets released on a temporary basis by the on-call magisterial district judge. The situation for this order must be emergent enough so that the alleged victim feels that he or she is unsafe and the judge gets convinced. This order is temporary in nature and only valid till the next business day. For issuing this order, the allegations of the plaintiff are assumed to be true.

Ex Parte PFA Order

This order is also temporary in nature and can last for ten business days. This will be issued by the court but without any trial. This will remain in effect till the full PFA order gets issued. For this type of order, the defendant doesn’t get a chance to defend themselves as the allegations of the plaintiff are considered to be true.

Final PFA Order

This is the main order that can last for three years or can be extended. Also, the defendant can go for an appeal against the order. This type of PFA order offers the defendant a chance to defend themselves in court. Our Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer will ensure your defense is heard.

Terms of PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 23 § 6108 determines the terms that the alleged offender must abide by so that the alleged victim can be safe from any kind of allegations.

• The offender will be ordered not to abuse, stalk, harass the alleged victims, children and their relatives.
• The offender is supposed to leave the shared home.
• The alleged victim gets granted possession of the house
• The alleged offender must provide the alleged victim suitable accommodation
• The alleged victim gets custody of the children temporarily
• The alleged offender will need to provide the victim with financial aid
• The alleged offender must relinquish weapon and ammunitions
• The alleged offender will be restricted from getting new firearms
• The alleged offender will be ordered to pay restitution including medical bills, attorney fees, financial loss, and so on.

Penalties for Contempt of PFA Order

As per Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 23 § 6114, if you, the alleged offender, violate the PFA order, then you will get the following penalties:

• Up to 6 months of imprisonment
• Fine up to $1000
• The PFA order extension
• Confiscation of the weapon, firearms and ammunition

Consult Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer will listen to your case and will help you in the case of PFA order and its contempt. For more details, give us a call today.

A PFA can only be charged by parties who are-

• Family members
• Household members
• Parents of the same child
• Current or former sexual partners
• Current or former spouses

Family matters are a tricky business for the court. It usually takes a long time for the law to decide who is in the wrong. If the case is domestic abuse, it becomes even more complicated. Sometimes the facts of the PFA Order do not match with the present circumstances. At times it can also be noticed that the restricted party is not even at fault. However, since the order is taken seriously, everyone has to act according to the law. PFA Orders have vast connotations and it might be tiring for you to find well-informed answers to your queries. Logue Law Group is at your rescue. We have compiled all important information related to PFA Orders in Pennsylvania just for you!

What Are the PFA Charge Consequences in Pennsylvania?

There are many immediate impacts on the party upon whom the order has been passed. You will have to maintain zero contact with the protected party; in case you will live the party, the house has to be immediately vacated. If the order has been levied on a parent, he/she will cease to make any contact with the. Social media communication is also restricted from the alleged accused’s side. A good Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer will advise you to not go against the court order otherwise the consequences will be terrible. Alongside the immediate consequences, many collateral damages take place in the life of the alleged accused.

What Are the Collateral Damages of Eviction in a PFA Order?

PFA orders are usually levied against a person who lives with the victim. Since the nature of the Act is to protect people from future risks associated with domestic abuse, if you are found guilty, there has to be a stop in your cohabitation with the accused. You cannot at any terms cohabit with the victim that the PFA order protects. In general, shifting house is a daunting experience, and when one is forced to move under the charges of domestic abuse the situation becomes more terrible.

If you are evicted due to a PFA order, renting any other place will become difficult for you. A PFA Order will be on your records even after a PFA has been lifted. Landlords do not prefer leasing property to people facing an ongoing PFA or having a history of PFA Order issued. It will be a blot on your records for the rest of your life. There are a lot of financial worries on the way to a sudden eviction. In any case, you cannot communicate with the victim for help, which makes the situation dire. However, getting hold of a skilled Pittsburgh PFA Lawyer who will defend you in these tough times, is a necessity. He will make sure that all the issues you are facing are presented in court, to get maximum relaxation.

What Are the Collateral Damages of Custody Loss in a PFA Order?

A PFA order can have many different kinds of emotional damages for the restrained party. The situation becomes even direr when there are minor children involved. After a PFA Order has been released you would not be allowed to meet or talk to your minor children and the immediate custody of the child will go to the accuser. It has been seen in many situations that the accuser is an unfit parent and yet the restrained party cannot do anything to change the situation.

Minor children are in the most damaged situation. They are bound to suffer the most when one of their parents is separated from them. Counselors who deal with childhood trauma victims have agreed that most children had one-parent custody issues. When such a situation occurs in your life, the best way out is to hire the services of a Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer. He will be the best guide on how to minimize the emotional damages to your child.

What is the Career-Wise Collateral Damages That Occur in a PFA Order?

There are many damages that your employment status may see after a PFA order has been issued against you. If you are someone willing to change your jobs, a good background check on the behalf of the company will reveal the PFA order issues. There are fewer chances of your employment if the PFA orders get in the notice of your new boss. Employers are hesitant to keep such an employee on their team.

Another common circumstance that has been observed in Pennsylvania is the common workspace shared by both the restricted and the protected party. If the protected party is in the same company as you, there are zero chances that you can keep working there. As the court orders you to maintain distance and zero contact with the protected party, you must resign immediately to avoid further penalties.

All of these difficult circumstances will be made easier with an experienced Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer who will defend your case. Sean Logue is your best guide in Pittsburgh and West Virginia area. He has successfully defended many domestic abuse cases when a PFA order has been released by the court. With him, you can find the best solutions o all your queries and minimize your damages. Call him at 412.387.6901 to solve your worries now!

PFA Application Process

The statute defines the abuse in the following ways:

• Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon
• Making someone fearful of getting bodily injured.
• False imprisonment as per 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2903
• Sexually or physically abusing minors
• Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person, without proper authority, under the circumstances which place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury as per 23 Pa.C.S.A. §6102.

The part of the process is that the defendant will have to apply for temporary PFA order in the first place. After the trial, the court will issue the final PFA order.

Temporary PFA Order

The plaintiff first will need to file for a temporary PFA order. While appealing, it is necessary that the applicant presents evidence of abuse as per the statute definition. The court will need to think that the victim is in imminent danger and that is why it will issue the PFA order for the next ten days until the final judgment is passed. For this order, the allegations of the plaintiff are assumed to be true.

Final PFA Order

This order is issued after a trial in the court where both the defendants and the plaintiff will be present. Both of them get a chance to present their evidence. Even if the PFA order is issued, the judge considers the terms of the order depending on the evidence and argument of the defendant. This order can last for three years.

Appealing the Final PFA Order

The final PFA order stays in place for three years and comes with a lot of provisions. The focus remains on preventing the violation by contacting the plaintiff in any form of communication, including online. As the defendant, you might be removed from the shared home. You might be asked to offer financial support for the spouse and the child. The court might order you to attend counseling for drug or alcohol abuse.

PFA is a civil order. But if you violate it, it will be a contempt of court, a criminal offense. As a result, police might arrest you even without a warrant or a witness. While the first time violator might get informal probation, it might result in a jail sentence along with a permanent criminal record.

Appealing a PFA Order

If you are appealing a final PFA order, you have two options:

• Filing motion for reconsideration in the same court
• Filing appeal of the PFA to the superior court

Motion Reconsideration

For this, your Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will argue that the judge has made a mistake of law or fact or both while issuing the PFA order. The following grounds can be included for the reconsideration

• The law on which the court has based its judgment has been incorrectly interpreted
• The applicable law has changed
• Failure of the reconsideration order that manifest into justice

Going for this option might prove to be an uphill battle.

Appeal to the Superior Court

You have to file a notice of appeal with Protothonary Office within the thirty days of the final PFA order. Your Pittsburgh PFA lawyer will need the complete documents and transcript of the final PFA order to proceed with this appeal. This is not a do-over. In the appeal, your lawyer will argue that the judge has made a mistake of law or fact or both.

Consulting Pittsburgh PFA lawyer

Come to Logue Law Group. We have successfully defended our clients in the cases of PFA order. Get in touch with our Pittsburgh PFA lawyer today.

About the Author

Alex Scioscia is a legal content writer who specializes in producing clear, research-driven articles on criminal defense, DUI law, and related legal topics. His work focuses on helping readers understand complex legal issues and stay informed about their rights throughout the legal process.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-scioscia/