Evidence at PFA Hearings In Pittsburgh
At Final PFA hearings, both the accuser and the defendant have the right to introduce evidence to prove their cases.
Evidence at Final PFA hearings commonly includes:
- Photographs of injuries and damaged property
- Medical records of injuries
- Mental health records reflecting treatment
- Texts and emails of threatening or harassing behavior
- Voicemails
- Social-media postings on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram of threatening or harassing behavior
- Eyewitness accounts
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive representation at PFA hearings in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland.
For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA Hearings: “He Said, She Said” Cases
Most PFA matters are “he said, she said,” which prompts the mistaken belief that a Final PFA Order won’t be granted unless there is definitive evidence of abuse. This is simply not true.
Most cases of alleged domestic violence cannot be proved definitively. There may not be any eyewitnesses, medical records, photographs of injuries, or written correspondence to prove that abuse occurred.
A judge may still order the Final PFA based on which party’s testimony appears more credible. In other words, the Court may make a “gut decision” about who is telling the truth, as the burden of proof for obtaining a Final PFA Order is lower than for getting a conviction in criminal court.
If you have been served with a Temporary PFA, you are at great risk of a Final PFA unless you obtain effective legal representation.
For a free consultation with an experienced PFA attorney, call Spivak Law Firm today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.