An arrest or accusation of domestic violence can change everything. If you’ve been accused, your home, your job, your kids, and your freedom could be in jeopardy.
Pennsylvania treats these cases seriously, and local courts move fast. Our Beaver County criminal defense lawyers are ready to step in, stabilize the situation, and build a defense plan. Call 724-488-7572 or contact us now for a confidential consultation.
What to Do in the First 48 Hours
Don’t talk more than you need to. Be polite, but do not explain or debate events with police, the other party, or anyone else. Ask to contact a lawyer and use your right to silence.
If a PFA or “no-contact” order is issued, follow it exactly. A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a civil order that can require you to leave a residence, stop contact, and relinquish firearms. Violations can create new criminal charges and hurt your defense. Don’t contact the other party, even to apologize.
Save evidence. Preserve screenshots, texts, call logs, Ring video, social media messages, and any other evidence related to your case. Don’t delete or edit anything. Let us evaluate what helps, what hurts, and how to introduce it.
Tell us where the case sits. Arrested and released? Summons in the mail? Preliminary hearing scheduled at Central Court in Beaver County? Let us know exactly what’s happening in your case. We’ll work with you to establish your best next steps.
What is “Domestic Violence” Under Pennsylvania Law?
In Pennsylvania, “domestic violence” isn’t a standalone crime. Instead, prosecutors file underlying offenses—like Simple Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 2701), Aggravated Assault (§ 2702), Harassment (§ 2709), Stalking (§ 2709.1), Terroristic Threats (§ 2706), or Strangulation (§ 2718)—that occur between family or household members, intimate partners, or certain household relationships. The “domestic” context affects charging, bail conditions, firearm rules, and protection orders.
Separately, Pennsylvania’s Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. § 6101 et seq.) allows courts to issue civil PFAs that restrict contact, residence, and firearms.
Common Beaver County Domestic Violence Scenarios
Heated argument at a home in Center Township → Simple Assault + PFA
A heated argument leaves no visible injuries, but an officer notes “physical menace” and minor pain. We examine 911 audio, body-cam, medical notes, and texts from before and after the incident. Based on the evidence, we push to re-grade to Harassment and resolve the incident as a non-violent offense.
Alleged choking during a fight in Aliquippa → Strangulation
After a fight, a woman is left with no visible marks, but the police file Strangulation (§ 2718) charges. We scrutinize statements for inconsistencies about breathing, consciousness, and injury. A lack of evidence leads to doubts about whether the statutory elements are truly met.
Repeated texts after a breakup in Ambridge → Stalking
A record of persistent messages is charged as Stalking (§ 2709.1) after a breakup in Ambridge. We evaluate the timeline and intent of the messages. Protected communication and mutual contact is enough to undermine the accusation.
Argument spilled into the street in Beaver Falls → Disorderly Conduct + Harassment
After police respond to a loud argument, police charge for Disorderly Conduct and Harassment. We review video from a doorbell camera that proves that the incident has been overcharged.
Charges & Consequences
These are the maximum statutory penalties for domestic violence under Pennsylvania law. Actual outcomes will vary according to facts, criminal records, guidelines, and negotiations.
Simple Assault (§ 2701)
This charge is most often graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree (M2), punishable by up to 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Depending on the circumstances, it can be reduced to a misdemeanor of the third degree (M3) with a maximum of 1 year and $2,500, or elevated to a misdemeanor of the first degree (M1) with exposure of up to 5 years and $10,000. When labeled as “domestic,” the charge carries added implications for bail conditions and protective orders.
Aggravated Assault (§ 2702)
Aggravated assault is filed as either a felony of the first degree (F1) or felony of the second degree (F2). An F1 conviction can lead to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine, while an F2 conviction allows for up to 10 years and the same fine level. Factors that elevate grading include serious bodily injury, use of a weapon, or the victim being a protected person such as law enforcement.
Harassment (§ 2709)
Harassment is a lower-level charge but still carries consequences. It can be filed as a summary offense (maximum 90 days in jail and a $300 fine) or elevated to an M3 or M2, with sentencing exposure of 1–2 years in jail and higher fines. Harassment is often used as a fallback or resolution in cases where more serious charges are reduced.
Stalking (§ 2709.1)
This offense involves a pattern of unwanted conduct or communication and is typically charged as an M1 or F3. An M1 conviction carries up to 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine, while an F3 conviction allows for 7 years and a $15,000 fine. The grading usually depends on whether the conduct shows repeated or escalating behavior.
Terroristic Threats (§ 2706)
Generally graded as an M1 or F3, this charge stems from making threats to commit violence. A conviction can mean 5–7 years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. Cases involving threats that cause evacuations or widespread alarm are treated especially seriously.
Strangulation (§ 2718)
Pennsylvania law classifies strangulation as a stand-alone and serious offense. It is often filed as a felony of the second degree (F2), with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Depending on the facts — such as use of a weapon, prior history, or connection to domestic violence — the grading may shift.
What’s the Legal Process for Domestic Violence Charges in Beaver County
Most domestic-violence-related crimes begin with an arrest or a complaint. You’ll receive a preliminary hearing date.
In Beaver County, misdemeanor and felony preliminary hearings are held at Central Court (Courtroom No. 3, Beaver County Courthouse) before the week’s assigned Magisterial District Judge.
What happens at the MDJ/Preliminary Hearing?
The Commonwealth must show a prima facie case (basic probable cause that a crime occurred and you likely committed it). This is often the best chance to:
- challenge unsupported counts,
- negotiate reductions (e.g., from assault to harassment), or
- explore conditions that avoid incarceration while the case proceeds.
What if the case is “held for court?”
Cases held for court move to the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County for pre-trial motions, discovery, and further negotiations. Many cases resolve before trial when evidence is tested and mitigation is presented.
What if there is a PFA?
PFA’s run on a separate civil track. The PFA office is located in the courthouse (second floor near the rotunda) with weekday intake hours. If you were served with a Temporary PFA, you’ll have a final hearing date quickly (often within 10 business days). We’ll prepare you for that hearing and coordinate strategy with the criminal case.
Resources to help you prep:
How Do Criminal Charges & PFAs Interact?
It’s common for a criminal case and a PFA to run at the same time, but they are separate matters with different rules and standards:
- Criminal case: The Commonwealth prosecutes. Penalties include jail, probation, and fines.
- PFA case (civil): There is no prosecutor. A judge presides. Penalties include orders for no-contact, exclusive possession of a residence, custody terms, support, or firearm relinquishment.
Although a PFA case is civil, your testimony can still impact any related criminal charges. It’s important to speak with a lawyer before your hearing.
Beaver County Courts & Resources
- Beaver County Courthouse
Address: 810 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-728-5700
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website - Beaver County Courts Directory
Hours: Court of Common Pleas Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; MDJ Courts Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website - Beaver County District Attorney’s Office
Address: 810 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-773-8550
Website - Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) Offices Directory
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Website - PFA Office (Courthouse)
Address: Second floor near the rotunda, Beaver County Courthouse, 810 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Domestic Violence Defense in Beaver County
We build for court while we negotiate.
We prepare every case as if it’s headed to trial. If talks stall, you’ll be ready.
We pressure-test the evidence.
- Body-cam & 911: We look for inconsistencies in the allegations.
- Digital records: We comb through text threads, call logs, social media, and location data.
- Medical notes: We investigate whether the records fit the charges.
- Third-party video: We gather home surveillance and commercial security footage to find evidence that may have been overlooked.
We re-grade the case to reduce exposure.
Where appropriate, we push to re-grade Aggravated Assault to Simple Assault, or Simple Assault to Harassment. Re-grading the incident can shift sentencing guidelines, collateral effects, and negotiation leverage.
We protect your life outside the courtroom.
We work to limit the harm done to your daily life and protect your residence, parenting time, work, and travel rights. We coordinate with treatment providers if it helps your defense and negotiations.
We keep you informed about your case.
We give you a direct contact number for your attorney and offer a clear plan and honest case assessments. Our attorneys are honest and won’t offer empty promises.
Learn More:
- Assault & Domestic Violence Overview
- What to Do if a No-Contact Order Is Issued
- Bail & Bond in Pennsylvania
- Search & Seizure Laws
- Plea Negotiations & Agreements
- Case Results
- Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Cases in Beaver County
Is “domestic violence” a separate crime in Pennsylvania?
No. It’s a label that applies to crimes (assault, strangulation, harassment, stalking, threats) involving household or intimate relationships. The label affects bail, firearms, and PFAs. Strangulation is its own offense with specific elements.
What happens at a Beaver County preliminary hearing?
The Commonwealth must show a prima facie case. Your attorney can cross-examine, challenge weak counts, and negotiate. In Beaver County, most hearings are set in Central Court (Courtroom No. 3) with the week’s MDJ presiding.
Will I lose my firearms?
A temporary PFA may include firearm restrictions. A final PFA commonly requires relinquishment and bars possession. Criminal convictions can also affect firearm rights depending on the charge and grading. See the PFA Act for forms of relief courts can order.
What’s the difference between a PFA hearing and the criminal case?
The PFA is civil; the criminal case is prosecuted by the DA. Statements at a PFA hearing can impact the criminal case, so strategy and sequencing matter. Bring all papers to your attorney immediately.
Can a first-time case be resolved without jail?
Often, yes. This depends on the evidence, injuries, and your history. Outcomes can include reductions, conditional pleas, or other resolutions. We’ll evaluate what’s realistic in Beaver County after we review the complaint, affidavit, and media.
Should I contact the accuser to “smooth things over”?
No. If there’s any order in place, contact is risky or prohibited. Even without an order, reaching out can hurt your case. Let your attorney handle communications.
Areas We Serve in Beaver County
We represent clients across:
- Beaver
- Beaver Falls
- Aliquippa
- Ambridge
- Monaca
- Center Township
- Chippewa Township
- Hopewell Township
- Economy
- New Brighton
- Rochester
- Bridgewater
- Freedom
- Darlington
- Big Beaver
and surrounding communities.
Talk to a Beaver County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Facing a domestic violence accusation or PFA in Beaver County? Don’t go it alone. Our domestic violence attorneys can step in fast, explain the process, and build a plan focused on dismissal, reduction, or trial.
Call 724-488-7572 or contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
