Getting served with a PFA is a very serious issue. A PFA is a protective order that orders the respondent to stay away from the petitioner who requested the order. PFAs, also known as orders of protection, are granted to allow petitioners to feel safe to move about their lives without the threat of having the perpetrator contacting them in any way.

If you have a PFA filed against you, it's absolutely imperative that you follow that order to the letter. Failure to do so can lead to even more serious legal consequences for you.

Harrisburg Man Commits Double Murder Just Days After Receiving Temporary PFA

In February of this year, Harrisburg resident Gregory Greene Jr was charged with committing double murder just days after receiving a temporary PFA. The temporary order was issued on January 3rd and was supposed to be in effect until a more formal hearing could be held.

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence chief public affairs officer Julie Bancroft said that the orders state that the abuser is not to “abuse, threaten, stalk or harass the victim” in any way. In this case, Green was charged with violating the order on January 7th and taken to jail that same day. He was released on probation on February 2nd and committed the murders a week later. He shot three adults, killing one, and stabbed two children.

Greene is now facing a slew of felony charges, including first-degree murder and three attempts of criminal attempted homicide.

PFAs Are Very Clear

A PFA is not something that can be taken lightly. If you have a PFA against you, know that it is in place because the court has been convinced that you pose a danger to another human being or beings.

The PFA most likely will instruct you not to contact the petitioner in any way, including via phone, text, email, in person, through their job, via social media, or in any other way. It is absolutely imperative that you follow the order. If you attempt to contact the petitioner, there are penalties that could be imposed that could discredit any future defense or litigation that you may be involved in.

Penalties for violating a PFA order could include any of the following:

• Up to six months in jail, including fines of up to $1000 (you will not have the right to a jury trial)
• Up to six months of probation, including fees of up to $1000 (you will not have the right to a jury trial)
• You could have damaging professional consequences as a result of ignoring the court's order
• Your license could be suspended
• You may have issues with citizenship applications or immigration if those issues apply to you

Speak to a Lawyer About Your PFA

If you're dealing with a PFA, you shouldn't go it alone.The expert team at the LLF Law Firm have been helping their clients with PFAs for years, helping them make good decisions that help their cases vs. putting them deeper into trouble.

Reach out for help at 888-535-3686 today to schedule an evaluation of your PFA case. Your future is absolutely worth it.