Protection from Abuse Lawyer in State College, PA
Facing a Protection from Abuse (PFA) petition can have devastating consequences for your rights, reputation, and future. If someone has filed a PFA order against you in State College or Centre County, you need experienced legal representation immediately. The criminal defense attorneys at Decker Bradburn provide skilled, aggressive advocacy for individuals facing PFA allegations in Pennsylvania courts.
Our Protection from Abuse defense attorneys understand the urgency and complexity these matters require.
Understanding Pennsylvania PFA Orders
Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act lets people get court orders against family members, intimate partners, or parents of the same child based on claims of domestic abuse. If someone files a PFA petition against you, you face serious legal consequences beyond the order itself.
The Act defines abuse broadly to include:
- Physical harm
- Attempted physical harm
- Placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury
- Knowingly engaging in conduct that causes bodily injury
- False imprisonment
- Sexually abusing minor children
- Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct
- Repeatedly committing acts that place another in reasonable fear of bodily harm
Pennsylvania law provides for both temporary and final PFA orders. A court can grant a temporary order immediately, without your knowledge, if there is an immediate and present danger of abuse. You may learn about a temporary PFA only when you are served with papers. This gives you little time to prepare your defense before the final hearing. Your first call should be to our defense attorneys.
The PFA Process in Centre County
If someone files a PFA petition in State College or Centre County, the Court of Common Pleas will handle your case. If the court issues a temporary PFA order, you receive papers and notice of a final hearing, usually within 10 days.
This order can affect your:
- Child custody rights
- Right to possess a firearm
- Living situation
- Criminal record
The final hearing is your opportunity to defend yourself against the allegations. It is imperative that you do so with the proper PFA defense attorney. Both you and the petitioner may present evidence, call witnesses, and testify. The petitioner has the burden of proving abuse occurred. Without experienced defense representation, you may struggle to effectively challenge their claims and present your defense.
At the hearing, our defense attorneys cross-examine the petitioner to expose inconsistencies. We present evidence that contradicts their allegations. We call witnesses to support your version of events and argue for dismissal of the petition. We also negotiate with opposing counsel when appropriate to resolve cases without final orders.
How Decker Bradburn Defends Your Rights
At Decker Bradburn, we understand that PFA allegations threaten your freedom, family relationships, career, and reputation. We provide aggressive, strategic defense representation. Our approach is designed to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients facing Protection from Abuse petitions.
Our State College attorneys have extensive experience defending PFA cases in Centre County courts. We know the local judges, understand court procedures, and recognize how to present compelling defenses in these emotionally charged proceedings. We respond to your contact immediately, investigate your case thoroughly, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights throughout the process.
Contact Our State College PFA Defense Lawyers Today
If someone has filed a Protection from Abuse petition against you, act quickly. Call Decker Bradburn at 814-308-8895 to speak with our State College PFA defense attorneys. Get the aggressive legal support you need to defend your rights and future.