Everyone dealing with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania understands how immensely disruptive they can be and how much reputational damage they can cause. If a PFA has limited you for the past few years, you've had a light at the end of the tunnel: an automatic expiration after three years. However, in certain circumstances, PFAs can extend beyond this three-year term, sometimes indefinitely. Not preparing for the possibility of a PFA extension will result in you scrambling to defend against unfair or false allegations at the end of the order's lifespan.

No one should be forced to continue suffering the consequences of a PFA in Pennsylvania longer than necessary. If your PFA is currently at risk of being extended, you should never sit back and accept it. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can assist in preventing extensions to unfair PFAs and prevent false allegations from lengthening the time you spend restricted by court orders. Call our Criminal Law Team today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us through our website to get help with your PFA.

Duration and Extension of PFAs

PFAs in Pennsylvania can last for three years at most before extensions. If you didn't know of the existence of PFA extensions, the sudden realization that your court order can last for decades or more can come as a shock. Typically, valid reasons for extensions include when the respondent of a PFA order:

• Violates terms of their current PFA
• Has recent criminal activity, charges, or convictions related to the petitioner or abuse
• Provably threatened or abused the petitioner or someone else during the term of the PFA
• Acted in a way that causes the petitioner to believe they are in danger

Regardless of what allegations you face, any attempt to extend a PFA is an immediate danger that you need to take seriously. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team should be your first call to secure experienced legal representation and protect your future from further restrictions.

Responding to a PFA Extension Request

When someone seeks to extend a PFA against you, the court will schedule a hearing to review the request. Courts themselves cannot extend a PFA without first receiving a request from the petitioner of the order. Petitioners must bring evidence before the court highlighting violations or actions that warrant an extension. Luckily, you and your attorneys also have the opportunity to present evidence at this time. Judges will then use the evidence provided by both sides to determine if an extension is granted and for how long.

There is rarely a wrong time to fight against a PFA extension or argue for a shorter timeframe, but you should definitely consider the option if:

• An extension of the PFA would cause significant harm to your personal or professional life
• The allegations are exaggerated or falsified
• The petitioner brings forth a lack of evidence that is easily refutable

If the petitioner can show evidence that you engaged in violations of your PFA, it may be more challenging to fight off an extension. However, not all violations are equal, and your attorneys can explain reasons for violations and downplay their potential for harm.

For example, attending a family funeral, even with the express permission of the petitioner, can violate your PFA. While this is still technically a violation, judges may see it as less of a concern than cases of unwanted contact when deciding to extend an order. That being said, a petitioner showing evidence of this violation can place you at immediate risk of jail time and PFA extensions. Defending against a PFA extension in court may open you up to more concrete risks due to extensive evidence uncovered during the hearing. You should never place yourself at greater risk and defend against a PFA extension without first consulting with attorneys experienced in this area of law.

Defending Against PFA Extensions in PA

PFAs can alter your family dynamic, ruin your career, and prevent you from living your life unobstructed. The LLF Law Firm understands how important it is to end unwarranted PFAs and is the right choice to protect against your PFA extension. Our Criminal Defense Team will inform you of your defense options and work to limit punishments arising from evidence of violations. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.