Harrisburg Protection from Abuse Defense Attorney

Pennsylvania PFA Order Attorney

A protection from abuse (PFA) order, Pennsylvania's version of a restraining order, limits contact between two people and is an emergency attempt to stop domestic violence. While a PFA may seem like temporary orders, if an order is issued against you, you need a defense attorney to protect your rights.

The defense attorneys at Foreman & Caraciolo challenge a PFA order at every step of the proceeding. Whether you have been served with a PFA order or you have violated a PFA order, you want someone to stand up for you. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation regarding protection from abuse defense.

Understanding the Consequences of a PFA

In Pennsylvania, anyone who has an intimate relationship may request a PFA against his or her alleged abuser. Parents and children may also request a PFA. Upon filing for a PFA, the court will likely issue an order not to contact that requires a hearing within 10 business days. With 10 days of the emergency order, a hearing must be held to determine if the no contact order should become a permanent PFA order, lasting up to three years.

A PFA order against you not only affects your communication and contact with the alleged victim. Other consequences of a permanent order include prohibiting you from possessing a firearm, which may preclude you from military service. A PFA order also goes on your record and can affect your employment opportunities. Your right to spend time with your children may also be affected if the no contact order includes the children. A PFA violation will also lead to incarceration.

Experience. Knowledge. Skill.

When the stakes are this high, you don't want to take the PFA order lightly. We provide personalized legal advice depending on your situation. We evaluate all of the consequences that may occur and will aggressively work to fight the issuance of a PFA order.

If an order has already been issued, we will protect your child custody and visitation rights to see your children. We also handle Indirect Criminal Contempt hearings (ICC) if you've been charged with violating a no contact order or PFA order.

With more than 50 years of experience, we understand how to prepare a strong protection from abuse defense for you. Contact the skilled protection from abuse defense lawyers at Foreman & Caraciolo. We serve clients in the areas near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.