Relationships are hard and sometimes emotional. It can be challenging to resolve conflict healthily, and sometimes conflicts between couples can escalate into threats of violence. In the worst-case scenario, people can end up dead. As a result, the police and Pennsylvania law take threats of domestic violence very seriously. When a conflict with a loved one becomes heated, you could face domestic violence charges and a possible Protection from Abuse (PFA) order against you. But it's important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and you need experienced legal guidance to protect your freedom and reputation. The skilled Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help.

Domestic Violence Leads to Threats & Shooting

One recent example of a domestic violence case that escalated out of control happened in late March. Police arrested a Philadelphia man after allegedly threatening to shoot up a warehouse if he didn't get to talk to his ex-girlfriend. Authorities ended up evacuating the warehouse and adding armed security to the building. On February 17th, police served the man with a PFA order prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his ex.

The man reportedly called his girlfriend 15 times between February 16th and 18th. After the service of the PFA, he then called a QVC warehouse where his ex-girlfriend worked 47 times between 2:41 am and 5:15 am on February 28th. Warehouse employees called the police when he threatened to “shoot up” the warehouse with an AR-15 if he couldn't speak to his ex. The man now faces three felony charges, including criminal use of a cell phone and two counts of making terroristic threats. He's now out on a $100,000 bond.

Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania

“Domestic violence” in Pennsylvania isn't necessarily one specific criminal charge. Rather, many crimes can qualify as domestic violence, resulting in charges and a PFA order against you, preventing you from contacting or approaching the alleged victim. Some crimes that qualify as domestic violence in Pennsylvania include:

• Sexual assault or rape,
• Kidnapping or holding someone against their will,
• Harassing or stalking someone,
• Destroying or stealing property, and
• Assault and aggravated assault.

See 23 Pa. Stat. § 6102(a) (2018). With evidence of domestic violence, the victim may also ask a court for a restraining order against you.

You Need LLF Law Firm's Criminal Law Team

If you're facing a domestic violence charge or a pending protection from abuse order, you need legal advice urgently. The skilled Criminal Law Team at the LLF Law Firm has been guiding Pennsylvanians like you through domestic violence charges and the PFA process for years, and they can help you too. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or contact them online to schedule your consultation.