You have been served with a PFA and are now wondering whether you can defend yourself. Violating Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders in Pennsylvania can have serious consequences. The police may press additional charges, and you may face penalties and jail time. A final hearing is scheduled within ten days from the date of filing the temporary PFA, and this is your chance to get the PFA dismissed. Reputed names like Lento Law Firm have experienced PFA defense attorneys who can help with your case. In this post, check the things to do before the hearing.
Abide by the PFA
No matter the circumstances, you should avoid contacting the plaintiff. If you do so, it would be a violation of the PFA, and it includes virtual contact or contacting the accuser through others. If the plaintiff contacts you, do not take their calls.
Save the communication details and evidence
Your PFA defense attorney has limited time to work on the case, and they may want the evidence and communication details at the earliest. Keep a file of messages, call records and other information that can come in handy for your case. Even if the details pertaining to the time before the PFA was issued, share the same with your lawyer.
Gather evidence
You need a lawyer to work on the evidence for the PFA hearing because not all forms of evidence are acceptable in court. You can also find witnesses for your case, and they are required to be physically present at the hearing. Talk to your lawyer in detail about what you can present at the hearing and if your case is strong enough.
Make time for the hearing
If you want the temporary PFA to be dismissed, you have to ensure that you are present at the hearing. If you miss being there in person, the court may issue a default judgment, which could eventually impact your life in more ways than one. In case you cannot attend the hearing because of unavoidable circumstances, you can consider requesting your court for a second date. You can make the arrangements by writing to the court along with reasons why you cannot be present at the original date set by the court.
Now that you are aware of the basic aspects, make sure that you work with your attorney and offer them all the support that they need to work on your defense. At the PFA hearing, make sure that you maintain your calm.