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1800 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301

Experienced Pennsylvania Attorneys Defend Targets of Protective Orders

Accomplished Paoli law firm protects your liberty and reputation

A Protection from Abuse order (PFA) is meant to be a shield for vulnerable persons who have suffered domestic abuse. But too often this legal remedy is used as a sword to injure an innocent party, who has not done harm and does not intend harm. Finally, there are occasions when a party who has committed a regrettable act of violence needs and desires help, not legal sanctions. In all these circumstances Platt, DiGiorgio & DiFabio stands ready to help. Our lawyers in Paoli, Pennsylvania have been providing comprehensive assistance to residents of Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties since 1983. With a thorough knowledge of the law gained from hands-on courtroom experience in domestic violence hearings, we are determined to protect your reputation and uphold your rights. We defend you from unwarranted accusations, and even when certain facts may be against you, we advocate for a resolution that minimizes the legal consequences for past events.

Determined advocates focus on positive outcomes

Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act covers actual or threatened violence against household members. Depending on the specific circumstances of the allegations against you, an accuser might seek the following remedies from the court:

  • Protection from Abuse orders — If an accuser files a Request for Protection from Abuse against you, the court can prohibit you from making any type of contact. This means you could be evicted from your residence; prevented from returning home, to school, or to your job; and lose custody at least temporarily of your children. You can even lose your Second Amendment rights and have your firearms confiscated.
  • Criminal penalties —  In addition to the filing of a PFA, criminal charges may also be filed against you arising from the same incident.  If so, you will need representation in a separate criminal proceeding. If you have already had a restraining order issued against you, a violation could result in a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.
  • Emergency assistance — If your accuser asks the court for immediate protection, the court can issue an order against you without even granting you a hearing to defend yourself. A temporary Protection from Abuse order is good for up to 10 days; after that time, you cannot be restrained without a hearing on the merits.

Because of the very real threat of domestic violence, the court moves quickly to issue orders, erring on the side of caution. But we too can move quickly to protect your rights so you are not unduly burdened by a false accusation.

Family lawyers litigate abuse issues in divorce and custody matters

Parties often use allegations of domestic abuse during divorce and after as leverage in child custody battles. Pennsylvania law allows judges to restrict the custody and visitation rights of abusive parents and even to use marital misconduct as a factor when making alimony determinations. Our family law attorneys work to protect your reputation, your parental rights, and your finances from spurious allegations.

Contact a dedicated Pennsylvania attorney for defense against abuse allegations

Platt, DiGiorgio & DiFabio represents people facing domestic violence charges in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties as well as the surrounding areas and New Jersey. Protect your reputation and your rights. Call us today at 267-388-1599 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Paoli.