Pennsylvania Civil Penalties

When it comes to domestic violence in Pennsylvania, the state treats these offenses with severe gravity, often viewing them similarly to hate crimes. Even though there is no single, separate statute uniquely labeled as domestic violence, the associated punishments and penalties remain equally strict. If you are ever served with a PFA (Protection From Abuse) order, it is incredibly important to seek reliable legal assistance immediately.

At Logue Law Group, we recognize how seriously civil penalties tied to PFA orders can affect your life. To assist you in navigating this highly stressful and exhausting legal process, we have gathered all the vital information regarding the consequences you may encounter. Even though a PFA case is technically classified as a civil matter, it should never be dismissed lightly. Both the plaintiff and defendant handle their dispute in civil court, but that does not lessen the severity of the possible outcomes. If you or a family member is dealing with a PFA order, getting advice from a knowledgeable New Castle criminal lawyer is essential to protect your rights.

Pennsylvania Civil Penalties in PFA Orders

Under the Pennsylvania statute 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6108, the court may impose a variety of civil penalties during a PFA proceeding. These legal restrictions can heavily impact essential aspects of your life, such as your ability to possess firearms and your parental rights. Let us examine a few of the primary penalties you might face:

No Contact With the Plaintiff

One of the most basic rules established by a PFA order is that the defendant must avoid all contact with the plaintiff. The main goal of a Protection From Abuse order is to stop acts of domestic violence, and keeping zero contact is necessary to reach that goal. Whether you need help navigating a complex PFA restriction or require a New Castle DUI attorney for other unexpected legal troubles, having proper representation always matters.

Zero Contact Policy Might Extend to Other People

The zero-contact rule enforced by a PFA order can sometimes stretch beyond just the plaintiff to protect other specific individuals. The exact details of these boundaries will be clearly written in the court document itself.

Child Custody

Navigating PFA hearings can be emotionally devastating, especially when minor children are part of the situation. In many of these scenarios, temporary child custody is immediately awarded to the plaintiff, forcing the defendant to stop all contact with their kids. While this is incredibly difficult, strictly following the court’s orders is the best approach.

Living Situations

If you live in the same residence as the plaintiff and you receive a PFA order, you must act very quickly. You are required to vacate the home immediately, as you cannot share living spaces with the plaintiff while the legal case is active. Finding a new rental property can be tough with a PFA order on your record, so staying with close friends or family is often recommended. For a strong defense against these serious allegations, you should consult a dedicated New Castle criminal lawyer.

Reach out to Sean Logue at Logue Law Group to secure the guidance you need. Contact him today at 412.387.6901 to schedule a free consultation that could significantly change the outcome of your case!