If you have a PFA order filed against you, you quickly find out there are a lot of things that you're no longer able to do. A PFA is a “protection from abuse” order, also known as an order of protection. It's used to protect someone who feels that they're at risk of being harmed by someone else. In short, the PFA states that the respondent needs to stay away from the petitioner. There are all types of rules relating to a PFA, with the ultimate goal of keeping the petitioner safe.

What many people don't realize is that having a PFA order against them also prevents them from getting involved in certain activities or being in possession of certain items. Weapons are high on the list of items judges may order removed from your possession if there is a PFA order against you.

Weapons Are High on the List of Banned Items

Once a PFA order has been handed down against you, your weapons will most likely be taken away. Many people who have their weapons or other items taken away don't get them back. Others have to go through a long process of retrieving their items.

Every Case is Unique

Former Main Line resident David Bookstaber has been trying to get his weapons back for several years. Bookstaber had over 35 separate firearms and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition confiscated when an order for a PFA against him was approved. Some of the weapons confiscated included handguns, rifles, shotguns, silencers, and compound bows. Bookstaber had a PFA order against him because he'd been accused of handcuffing and suffocating his ex-girlfriend during a domestic disturbance.

He was eventually found not guilty on most charges and agreed to plead guilty on a few disorderly conduct charges, ultimately getting probation. Since his trial ended in 2020, he's been trying to get his weapons back. Law enforcement did determine that he could get his property back, but they insisted he come to them and retrieve it. When he tried to do so, he was denied because he was unable to pass a background check. He's refused to return back to the county since, and there's been a stalemate ever since.

Go Legal Help Getting Your Weapons Back

There are many different types of situations that could make it difficult for people who have successfully followed the orders of their PFAs to get their weapons back when the order is no longer in effect. If you're in this situation, you absolutely need to work with an attorney who has experience with this very specific type of issue.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have spent years representing people who have had PFA orders in effect. They work hard to ensure that their clients retain their rights under the law. If you are trying to get property once the PFA order is over, you need an experienced lawyer who knows how to work with the legal system to make sure that you get the help you need.

Reach out for help at 888-535-3686 today to schedule an evaluation of your case. Your future may depend on it.