Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a common charge in Pennsylvania. The legal enforcement departments treat these cases of domestic violence very seriously. The main focus remains offering the parent, spouse or family member the protection from violence within their family unit.

These following acts are considered to be domestic violence,

• Stalking
• Criminal Trespass
• Harassment
• Violation of Protective Order
• Domestic Assault
• Endangering the Welfare of Children
• Child Abuse
• Sexual Assault
• Kidnapping
• Homicide

The laws are designed to help the victim get the protection in the case of danger and violence. However, there are often many false allegations of domestic violence that are used to get the child custody or advantage on divorce cases. So, no matter what charges are against you, you need to protect your rights and that is why you need to hire a Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer. At Logue Law Group, our lawyer can defend your rights. Come to us and let us fight for your rights.

Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Domestic Violence Important Related Definition

The charge of domestic violence can have various diverse situations of family unit. That is why you need to know about a few terms before we review the charges that you are facing. The followings are the definition as per the Pennsylvania Code Title 18 §6102.

• Cohabit
• When you and another person are living together as if you are married or family
• Family or Household Member
• Spouse
• Ex-spouse
• Persons related by blood
• Persons related by marriage
• Persons who have a biological child together
• Current sexual partners
• Former sexual partners
• Cohabiters
• Persons who have previously cohabited
• Harass

To direct certain uninvited conduct that has no legitimate purpose towards another person

Domestic Abuse

Causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, rape, sexual assault with or without a weapon, false imprisonment, or child abuse knowingly or intentionally to a family or household member.

Protection from Abuse Order

Temporary or permanent protective order or restraining order from a judge prohibiting someone from committing specified acts and/or requiring someone to commit specified acts as a result of domestic abuse allegations

Common Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania Harassment

When an individual intends to harass another person by making physical contact, following them, communicating with them repeatedly, or repeatedly engages in conduct serving no purpose

Summary offense

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to $300 fine
• 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709

Stalking

When a person repeatedly follows or communicates with another person and causes that person severe emotional distress or a reasonable fear of bodily injury

• First-degree misdemeanor or Third-degree felony
• Up to 2.5-5 years or 3.5-7 years of jail, depending on the classification
• Up to $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on the classification
• 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1

False Imprisonment

Knowingly and unlawfully restraining a person against his or her will

• Second-degree misdemeanor
• 1-2 years of prison
• Up to $5,000 fine
• 18 Pa.C.S. § 2903

Child Abuse

Includes a variety of actions, but generally occurs when a parent or guardian knowingly endangers the welfare of a child through negligent or reckless actions

• First-degree misdemeanor or third-degree felony, depending on the case
• Up to 2.5-5 years or 3.5-7 years of jail, depending on the classification
• Up to $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on the classification
• 23 Pa.C.S. § 6903(b)

Sexual Assault

Engaging in sexual intercourse either with a person against his or her consent or with a person unable to give his or her consent

• Second-degree felony
• 5-10 years of prison
• $25,000 fine
• 18 Pa. C.S. § 3122.1

Responding to Protective Order Violation

Protection From Abuse (or PFA) orders are issued by the court to protect the child or the plaintiff from severe violence and retaliation. This works like retraining orders that prevents the abuser from coming to a certain distance to the victim or contacting them in any mode. This also prevents the abuser from showing up at work or from entering the school ground or possessing firearm. The abuser will be denied child custody. Even though the PFA orders are court orders, yet violating it can result in serious consequences. You can be charged for criminal offense for contempt of court that will involve six months of imprisonment and $1000 fine.

Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Resources

• Police department
• AARDVARC – Pennsylvania division
• PCADV – Pennsylvania coalition against domestic violence

Consulting a Pittsburgh Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you are facing charges of domestic violence, then surely you are dealing with a lot of stress and pressure. At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh domestic violence lawyer is here to help you. Give us a call today for a free consultation.