Perhaps Altoona's Joseph Clark III didn't read the fine print on the Protection From Abuse (PFA) order that a female plaintiff successfully filed against him.

It could be, he didn't understand it the first time he was served. Nor the first time he was hit with a violation. Nor the second, third, or 12th time the plaintiff reported a violation.

Clark was arrested six times for PFA violations in roughly a seven-month span. It should be clear to him now that PFA orders are the law's way of telling you to “stay away”.

Learn From Joseph Clark III: Follow the Terms of a PFA

PFA orders outline specific terms. These terms will determine what constitutes a violation of the PFA order.

Someone beholden to a PFA order is generally prohibited from:

• Calling the plaintiff who requested the PFA order
• Texting the plaintiff
• Contacting the plaintiff through social media
• Confronting the plaintiff in person
• Being within a certain geographical proximity to the plaintiff

Compare these prohibitions with Clark's pattern of behavior. He:

• Was notified of his PFA on August 20, 2020
• Allegedly called the plaintiff 23 times from one phone number
• Allegedly called the plaintiff another 9 times from a second phone number
• Admitted to contacting the plaintiff through Facebook and Snapchat using fake profiles

This is a master class in how not to abide by a PFA.

What Clark Learned: You Can Make a Simple PFA Into Serious Criminal Charges

An alleged violation of a PFA order may be enough for you to face criminal consequences. Violate a PFA order 12 times in 7 months? You're going to have a bad time.

Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Statutes § 6114 lists the possible consequences for a PFA violation. They include

• A fine ranging between $300 and $1,000
• Up to six months' imprisonment
• Supervised probation for up to six months

This may not be the end of your legal troubles. Just consider Clarks' case. In addition to whatever sanctions he faces for PFA violations, he's also racked up four additional (minor) counts of harassment.

Who knows what havoc this has wrought on Clark's life? Being convicted of a PFA violation and other charges—let alone having your case published for all to read—may:

• Cause you to lose your job
• Limit your future employment opportunities
• Affect your child custody status
• Cause significant financial hardship
• Affect your ability to travel in and out of the United States without issue
• Lead to other personal and professional consequences

Clark could be experiencing one or more of these troubles as you read this. Furthermore, the female he's admitted to contacting has reportedly suffered financial loss, distress, and other hardship.

Nobody wins when you violate a PFA.

Get Legal Advice

If you are served with a PFA, a lawyer can help you fight it.

• You could be falsely accused
• The PFA order was confusing or improperly worded
• You had reason to believe the PFA order no longer applied
• You are deserving of leniency

Do not wait to retain a lawyer. Time could be of the essence.

Hire Joseph D. Lento as Your Defense Attorney

Alleged PFA violations warrant a strong defense. Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm are dedicated to protecting your rights, interests, and freedom. Call us today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your case.