Violating a PFA can result in criminal charges with a maximum punishment of six months in jail. Here are 10 tips for helping PFA defendants avoid criminal penalties:

1. Do not drive past the plaintiff’s residence.
2. Avoid all places where you know the plaintiff goes.
3. Leave a restaurant, grocery, or any other place if you realize the plaintiff is there.
4. Hang up the phone immediately if the plaintiff calls you.
5. Do not send emails, texts, letters, faxes, or gifts to the plaintiff.
6. Do not respond to emails, texts, letters, faxes, or gifts from the plaintiff.
7. Avoid contact with the plaintiff’s family, friends, and neighbors.
8. Do not get into arguments or confrontations with the plaintiff’s family or friends – walk away!
9. If the plaintiff comes to your house, do not let the plaintiff inside – don’t open the door!
10. Retain an experienced PFA defense attorney.

To speak with an experienced PFA defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or (800) 545-9390.