A no contact order in a Pennsylvania domestic violence case can mean one of a couple of things. In most instances, a no contact order can be imposed after say a defendant were to be convicted or were to plead guilty to a domestic violence charge. A no contact order would be a requirement that, as the name applies, the defendant could have no contact with the complainant or say even the complaint is family or other people involved in the complaint either directly or through a third party.
There's also what's called a stay-away order where often early in the process the court on his own accord, say often at the arraignment when bail is set, if not, say potentially prior, the court would impose a stay-away order, which would obligate the defendant to, as the name also implies, to stay away from the complainant or who the complainant is involved with either directly or through third party.
In essence, a no contact order is to keep the defendant away from the complainant in a domestic violence case. Domestic violence charges are incredibly serious. Having an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney in your corner from as early as possible in the process will help you prepare the best defense and help you best understand and navigate the criminal process.
