Westmoreland County PFA Lawyer
PFA Consequences
Because courts overwhelmingly grant Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, the system itself is frequently abused by people seeking leverage in divorce and child-custody actions.
In fact, the mere accusation of abuse can devastate a person’s life and reputation.
In Pennsylvania, a PFA can:
- Evict you from your home;
- Take away your firearms;
- Appear on your permanent record;
- Prevent you from seeing your children; and
- Result in serious criminal charges.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive defense at PFA hearings. We have successfully defended many people whose careers were at risk, including; police officers, corrections officers, homeland-security officers, teachers, and nurses.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on domestic violence and Protection From Abuse (PFA). Call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Resisting Arrest Penalties
Pulling away from an officer attempting to arrest you could be enough to sustain the charge of resisting arrest, which is usually filed in addition to the charges for which the police were arresting you.
Resisting arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor, which could result in up to two years in prison and as much as a $5,000 fine.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal defense matters, including: preliminary hearings, summary trials, and expungements. For a free consultation call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Marijuana Laws in Pennsylvania
Criminal charges for possessing marijuana may not seem as serious as other offenses, especially since it is legal in over 20 states. But in Pennsylvania, marijuana-related crimes are still often treated with the same severity as other drug crimes.
Federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is considered among the most addicting drugs, such as heroin, and has no medical benefits.
Spivak Law Firm advocates for the legalization of marijuana and more research into the medicinal benefits of the drug for people suffering from multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other debilitating diseases.
If you face drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA and Same-Sex Couples
In May, Louisiana lawmakers voted to remove the requirement that a victim be of the opposite sex of the alleged offender to be considered a victim of domestic violence.
Representative Patrick Connick, the author of the bill, has argued that because the U.S. Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage, same-sex couples should be receiving equal protection under the law.
In Louisiana, a person charged with committing domestic violence is held for 72 hours, in part to allow the victim to find a safe place to stay to escape further abuse. LGBT victims haven’t had that protection, which already puts them at risk.
Spivak Law Firm helps victims of domestic violence get the legal protections they need at Protection From Abuse (PFA) hearings and by working with prosecutors on criminal domestic-violence cases. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Domestic Violence Defense
Were you defending yourself from an aggressor and charged with a domestic-violence crime? This may seem unjust, but it happens routinely. Police officers responding to domestic violence incidents generally make arrests if they observe injuries on the other party.
Spivak Law Firm routinely helps those accused of domestic-violence crimes by providing strong, effective representation. Common domestic-violence crimes include:
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Terroristic Threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
To speak with an experienced domestic-violence defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA Orders in Pennsylvania
Q: What can a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order do?
A: In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse Order can provide many protections, including:
- Making the abuser leave the home.
- Ordering the abuser to pay child support.
- Prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim.
- Forcing the abuser to relinquish any firearms.
A PFA, also known as a restraining order, is a powerful tool to curb domestic violence.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a special focus on domestic violence and Protection From Abuse (PFA). Call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Drug Crimes in PA
If you’ve been criminally charged with drug possession, punishment can be greater if it is a Schedule I or II drug. Schedule I drugs include marijuana, heroin, and LSD. Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, Oxycontin, and Percocet.
If this is your first Schedule I or II drug offense, you face a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension. You also face as much as a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
The penalties associated with drug possession could harm your educational opportunities, employment opportunities, and even your child custody rights.
If you face criminal drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA May Carry Financial Penalties
A Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order is a powerful tool for restricting the rights of the accused. In addition to prohibiting contact with the victim, the Court may order the abuser to pay for reasonable losses suffered by the victim, including: medical, dental, relocation, and counseling expenses. The court may also order the defendant to pay for ongoing financial needs such as health insurance and mortgage payments.
If you have filed, or have been served with a PFA, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
5 Tips For PFA Defendants
If you have been served a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order, you must adhere to each of the stipulations. Violating a PFA can result in serious criminal penalties.
Here are 5 tips for PFA defendants to avoid violations:
- Do not contact the plaintiff in any way.
- Avoid all places where you know the plaintiff goes.
- Do not drive past the plaintiff’s residence.
- Do not attempt to contact the plaintiff through their friends or family.
- Retain an experienced PFA defense attorney.
Spivak Law Firm provides aggressive representation at PFA hearings in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County.
To speak with an experienced PFA defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or (800) 545-9390.
Domestic Violence and Guns
While misdemeanor charges may seem less serious than felony charges, both can hold similar consequences.
Under Pennsylvania law, if you have been convicted of a felony, you are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Moreover, you are permanently stripped of gun ownership if convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. This is true even if the incident did not involve firearms.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive defense in all PFA and criminal domestic violence cases. For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.