Collateral Damages You May Face from a PFA Order

If you have been served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) notice, it is absolutely vital to act quickly. While the state of Pennsylvania does not have one specific law solely dedicated to domestic abuse, these acts are often prosecuted under hate crime statutes or general criminal codes. When a person alleges that they have been harassed, stalked, or violated by their spouse or partner, the court can issue a PFA order to legally protect the alleged victim. In situations involving severe allegations, an Emergency Protection from Abuse Order might be granted, providing immediate, temporary distance from the accused. Under Pennsylvania law, a domestic relationship must exist between the parties involved. Even unmarried couples living in the same home can be subjected to PFA orders because of their living arrangements.

Understanding the Broad Impact of a PFA

Failing to take a PFA notice seriously can lead to widespread collateral damage that affects every area of your life. Let a Pittsburgh DUI attorney break down exactly what you stand to lose if you do not protect your rights.

Immediate Eviction from Your Home

When a judge issues a PFA order, you will most likely be forced to leave your shared residence right away. Living with your domestic partner becomes strictly prohibited by law. Being suddenly displaced from your home is incredibly stressful and chaotic. This is exactly why you need an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to fight on your behalf, minimize the severe penalties, and handle any necessary court appeals.

The fallout from a sudden eviction goes beyond just losing your bed. Securing a new rental property can be surprisingly difficult. Many landlords in Pittsburgh may see the PFA and view you as a high-risk tenant. In these tough situations, staying with an empathetic friend or a supportive family member might be your safest temporary solution.

The Devastating Loss of Child Custody

Perhaps the most heartbreaking consequence of a PFA case is losing access to your children. While the proceedings are ongoing, minors under the age of 18 may be removed from your care, temporarily giving the alleged victim 100% custody. Studies consistently show that children suffer deep trauma when abruptly separated from a parent during these legal battles.

To protect your parental rights, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney who can request an official court hearing regarding custody arrangements. Sometimes, the accuser may not actually be a fit parent. By compiling strong evidence to prove this, the court may at least grant you supervised or unsupervised visitation rights.

Severe Employment Complications

Dealing with a PFA order can also severely disrupt your career. You might face an unexpected termination letter from your employer or be forced to take an unpaid leave of absence to deal with court dates. Finding a brand new job with an active protection order on your record can be a massive hurdle, but there are ways to mitigate this damage.

Retain the Best Defense with Logue Law Group

When your future is on the line, you need top-tier representation. Attorney Sean Logue at Logue Law Group is highly respected for his extensive knowledge in defending PFA cases. With years of dedicated experience, he works tirelessly to ensure you face the absolute minimum in penalties and collateral damages. Reach out to a dedicated Pittsburgh criminal lawyer today at 412.387.6901 to schedule your complimentary consultation and secure elite legal defense. Do not let this difficult time ruin your life.