Different Types of PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

A PFA order, also known as a protection from abuse order, is designed to provide protection for victims of abuse. They are typically issued by a judge in the course of a family law proceeding or criminal case. PFA orders are designed to prevent further abusive behavior, including physical abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and threats. The victim does not have to show that they have been abused in order to receive one.

This court order is a legal document that states what both parties are and are not allowed to do. This order also puts an end to any further contact. To get one, you can go to your county courthouse or municipal police department. However, it can be difficult to obtain an order of protection when the abuser is not a partner, household member, or cohabitant with the individual seeking protection.

Let us now see into different types of PFA orders.

• Ex parte temporary PFA

The purpose of an ex parte temporary PFA is to provide a short-term remedy for the victim of domestic violence or elder abuse. An ex parte temporary PFA provides short-term protection from further abuse, harassment, and contact. The court’s order also typically includes provisions that require the abuser to stay away from home, work, school, or any other location frequented by the victim. In the state of Pennsylvania, temporary PFA is filed for emergency purposes and needs to be filed with the court in person before it expires. A hearing will occur about the order in front of a judge within 14 days.

• Emergency order

Emergency PFA orders can be issued by calling 911 and contacting a local magistrate court judge without a court hearing if they determine that there is credible evidence of abuse or stalking. This is only possible outside normal business hours, and it will only be active until 5 pm on the next business day.

• Final PFA

Pennsylvania passed legislation that would enact a final PFO  order for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This legislation will allow for an indefinite period of time to file both temporary and final orders at the same hearing. The final PFA order may last up to 3 years, for which you have the option to extend further. A permanent PFA order will only require the victim to show cause and evidence of their need for continued protection.

Here are the things you must do if you get unlawfully arrested with DUI.

Driving under the influence is a serious crime that is considered in the United States because it puts your life in danger and puts the lives of pedestrians and other civilians driving on the road. So if you ever get charged unlawfully with DUI, here are the things that you must do to get yourself out of the situation:

• Consult your Criminal defense lawyer: 

The first step and the most important is to consult a lawyer experienced with DUI cases. Your lawyer will prepare an outline and study your case to give a possibility to advise to get those charges off you. Later on, the lawyer will help you get justice by filing an indecency report to the authorities for the problems caused by the unlawful arrest. Your lawyer will guide you through all the legal proceedings and make sure that you are out of the case as soon as possible.

• Cooperate with the police officer: 

While you are being arrested, you must state your end of the explanation and try to communicate as much as possible. You should avoid arguing with the police officer as this can backfire during your case. You know that you are not guilty, so you must keep calm and let the authorities perform their duties. Once everything is done, you must explain your end and move further. 

Once your alcohol breath test is done, and you find that you were not intoxicated while driving, but still, the officer arrested you and charged you with DUI then in this case, you can reach out to your lawyer to file a federal law violation case.