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An older man with glasses and white hair is standing by a window, partially pulling back a curtain. Wearing a white shirt with a grey vest, he holds a phone to his ear, his expression intense. He could easily be mistaken for a seasoned PFA Defense Attorney in the midst of an urgent call.

PFA (Protection from Abuse Act)

Suffering from abuse by someone you know is a very serious matter and should be handled with expert care. These situations are often very sensitive. It is important to be aware that the state of Pennsylvania takes domestic violence matters very seriously and is determined to hold abusers accountable while finding protection for the victims. If you need quality criminal defense services from an experienced law firm, contact a PFA defense attorney from Ilkhanoff & Silverstein for a consultation.

What is the Protection from Abuse Act?

The Protection from Abuse Act (PFA) is state legislation designed to protect individuals and their children from abuse. It is a civil order that is filed to prevent domestic violence such as physical threats, intimidation, sexual assault, false imprisonment, sexual abuse, and stalking. The Protection from Abuse Act (or PFA) was created to primarily protect women and children from abuse in all intimate relationships.

Abuse is defined in the act as:

  • Intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury
  • Putting another in reasonable fear of bodily injury
  • False imprisonment
  • Physically or sexually abusing children that are considered minors
  • Engaging in continuous acts against a person without proper authority, including following them, that places them in reasonable fear of bodily injury

Who can obtain protection?

The state of Pennsylvania allows an individual to apply for protection under the Act if the abuser is:

  • A domestic partner
  • A spouse or former spouse
  • A parent
  • A child
  • A family member or persons related by blood
  • A girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancĂ© or someone with whom you are sexually intimate

The act does not cover abuse by a stranger; or mental, emotional or verbal abuse. The first step in the PFA process is to submit a petition to the court requesting protection under the Act. The petition contains information regarding the abuse, the abuser, and the type of protection that is being requested.

If you are seeking a PFA, contact a Pennsylvania family attorney for immediate assistance. A competent lawyer can help you prepare your petition and provide skilled legal representation at your petition hearing. Ilkhanoff & Silverstein is committed to helping you find protection during this difficult time.

Wrongful Accusations

If you have had an Order of Protection levied against you as a result of the PFA, and feel that you have been wrongly accused and acted upon, contact a York criminal defense attorney who can fight on your behalf with the goal of securing the desired outcome in your case. Ilkhanoff & Silverstein provides strong, aggressive defense for those accused of or charged with committing criminal acts. This includes individuals who have had Orders of Protection levied against them. If you feel you have been incorrectly accused of abuse, it is important to know that you have rights. You can fight your order in court, and possibly have it removed by a judge.

Our firm can provide you with the legal representation and support needed in your case. With our help, you will have a significantly improved chance of having your name cleared of any wrongdoing. Contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney if you have had an Order of Protection placed against you in accordance with the Protection from Abuse Act, and feel that you have been wrongly accused of committing abuse.

Victims of Abuse: Contact a PFA Defense Attorney Today

Ilkhanoff & Silverstein is an experienced family law firm that can assist you with the PFA process. We are former officers of the York County Bar Association and Southern Branch of the YMCA, as well as former directors of the family law section of the York County Bar Association. Our firm can be relied on for prompt legal aid, and professional and compassionate representation. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein if you are seeking PFA protection for immediate assistance with your petition.

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