Domestic Violence scenarios and accusations often arise out of complicated situations. The consequences of a domestic violence charge can make a person's life incredibly complicated. Domestic violence accusations often have far reaching and long term consequences that can affect a person across several different areas of the law. Things can be made especially difficult when a person files a PFA order against an alleged domestic violence offender.
What is a PFA Order?
A PFA order is a court order filed against a person who is accused of acts of domestic violence. The person who files for a PFA is known as a plaintiff, while the person who is a subject of PFA is known as a defendant. PFA orders, or Protection From Abuse orders, can be particularly restrictive against individuals facing domestic violence accusations. A PFA order can come in many different forms. The simplest form is an emergency PFA order. These are handled by a judge who is acting on call to a situation, and will only last a temporary time. They are meant to take a plaintiff's word at face value and provide legal ramifications quickly if it is believed that a plaintiff is in an emergency situation. The defendant does not have to be present for an emergency PFA to be filed. The second type of PFA is known as an "ex parte" PFA order. This is similar in that a defendant is also not present for these, and the judge takes the plaintiff's word only before issuing it.
The third type of PFA is known as a "final PFA" order. When a plaintiff files their initial ex parte or emergency PFA the defendant will be notified, and a court date will be set before the PFA can be made final. At the hearing, the defendant will be able to defend themselves and present their side of the events. Even if a final PFA is passed against them, attending this hearing will allow a defendant to present arguments to a judge on the specific terms of the PFA to mitigate damage to their quality of life.
How Can a PFA Order Affect My Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
When a person who holds a state license, or is applying for a state license, has a PFA order filed against them, their career can be thrown into jeopardy. Because PFA orders place a person in danger of committing the criminal act of being held in contempt of a court order, a person with a nursing license must be on their toes at all times with a PFA pending against them. While the state authorities do not always revoke a person's license for having a PFA against them, if they face criminal charges, matters can become more complicated. In addition to this, if a person is applying to hold a nursing license, the state licensing authority will weigh any PFA orders or criminal charges against them particularly heavily.
Pennsylvania Defense Attorney
When a person faces a PFA order pending against them, it can jeopardize their career and attempts to further their education. Going into the courtroom can be intimidating, especially when the stakes are high. If you or a loved one is facing the imposition of a PFA order in Pennsylvania, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
