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Temporary PFAs Need Not Become Permanent

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Dec 29, 2022 | 0 Comments

Prevention From Abuse Orders – or PFAs – are the Pennsylvania equivalent to what the media commonly calls restraining orders or protective orders. Pennsylvania courts will only issue PFAs under certain circumstances, generally speaking when the alleged abuse involves a family member or someone with whom the complaining party has an intimate relationship. Once a PFA is issued, however, it can seriously disrupt the life of the person whom it's directed against.

Most PFA Applications Never Result in a Permanent PFA Order

A recent infographic compiled by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shows that in 2021, the majority of PFA applications never resulted in a final order against the person named in the application. In fact, only 19% of PFA applications resulted in a final order being granted. Notably, in 16% of the cases, the complaining party and the person named in the complaint were able to reach an agreement that did not result in a final PFA order; and in 11% of cases, the initial temporary order was dismissed or denied. Finally, 25% of the time, the complaining party failed to appear in court for the PFA hearing.

Being Represented by Skilled Counsel Helps

The entire PFA process is complicated, and if a final PFA order is granted against you, it can mean you may have to leave your home and live elsewhere while still supporting the complaining party and any dependent children; you may be prevented from seeing your children or going anywhere near their school or after-school activities; it can affect your job if your employer learns of it, and you may be required to turn over any firearms you own until the PFA is lifted.

If you've been notified that a temporary PFA has been granted against you, this is not something you want to address alone. If a hearing takes place, the statistics show that there is a good chance that the PFA order could become permanent. Judges sometimes make mistakes, however, and in most cases, they will reach a better result if skilled counsel participates in the PFA hearing proceedings. And unfortunately, it is not unheard of for one party to a disputed custody proceeding to apply for a PFA without just cause in order to secure an advantage in custody negotiations.

With the guidance of experienced counsel such as LLF's Criminal Law Team, however, the outcome could be very different than if you attempt to resolve a PFA on your own. Many cases can be settled through guided negotiations, and in other cases, if there is a hearing, the outcome can be that the temporary PFA is lifted and the request for a permanent PFA is denied. Results like these don't happen by themselves, however. There are enormous benefits to having a skilled attorney – someone who has seen the many ways PFA requests can be resolved short of the court issuing a permanent PFA – learn about your situation, answer your questions, and help you defend your rights. This is a complicated process that you should not face alone.

Contact LLF's Criminal Law Team if You Are Served With a Temporary PFA

If you've been served with a temporary PFA, don't delay; contact our Criminal Law Team and the LLF Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your case and learn how they can help you. Our Criminal Law Team has been representing clients who have been on the receiving end of PFA orders for years and knows how this process works. If your case can be resolved short of going to court, our Criminal Law Team will help make that happen; but if a hearing is required, we know how to protect your rights. Contact our Criminal Law Team and the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or through the firm's online contact form to learn how LLF's Criminal Law Team can help you.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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