Pennsylvania Civil Penalties

In Pennsylvania, domestic violence is taken incredibly seriously and is treated by the law similarly to a hate crime. While there is no separate statute exclusively for domestic violence, the resulting punishments and penalties remain equally severe. If you are ever served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, seeking proper legal representation is essential.

At Logue Law Group, we recognize the heavy burden that civil penalties tied to PFA orders place on individuals. To assist you in navigating this demanding and highly stressful process, we have outlined the vital details regarding the consequences you may face.

Although it is classified as a civil matter, a PFA case must never be underestimated. The defendant and plaintiff handle their dispute in a civil court, but this does not lessen the severity of the situation. If you or a loved one receives a PFA order, reaching out to an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is a critical step.

Pennsylvania Civil Penalties in PFA Orders

Pursuant to 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6108, several civil penalties can be enacted during a PFA proceeding. These restrictions can drastically impact your parental rights, child custody, and firearm possession. Let us review some of the primary penalties you might encounter:

No Contact With the Plaintiff

A foundational rule established by a PFA mandate is the requirement to cease all contact with the plaintiff. The core goal of these orders is to prevent domestic violence, and enforcing a zero-contact rule is vital for achieving that objective.

Zero Contact Policy Might Extend to Other People

This strict no-contact requirement can sometimes reach beyond the plaintiff, encompassing other individuals as well. The exact boundaries of these limitations will be clearly specified within the legal document. To understand these complex conditions, it is highly recommended to speak with a knowledgeable Pittsburgh DUI attorney who can decipher the court’s terms.

Child Custody

Navigating these proceedings can be emotionally exhausting, particularly when minor children are involved. In many scenarios, temporary custody is immediately awarded to the plaintiff, forcing the defendant into a zero-contact arrangement with their kids. While this situation is agonizing, strictly following the court’s instructions is always the wisest approach.

Living Situations

If you reside in the same household as the plaintiff and receive a PFA, you must act quickly. Vacate the property immediately, as sharing a living space while the case is active is strictly forbidden. Although this creates sudden logistical hurdles, following the mandate flawlessly helps you avoid severe legal repercussions. We suggest finding short-term lodging with relatives or friends, since securing a new rental can be exceedingly difficult with an active order. A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can offer necessary guidance during this difficult transition.

For an aggressive defense against PFA accusations, rely on Sean Logue. Reach out to Logue Law Group today at 412.387.6901 to schedule a free consultation that could change the outcome of your case!