Washington County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Call 724-399-3491 today

An arrest or Protection From Abuse order can upend your life. Our Washington County domestic violence defense lawyers know the local courts, how PFAs work in Pennsylvania, and what it takes to protect your future.

Call 724-399-3491 or contact us for a confidential consultation.

Domestic Violence Charges & PFAs in Washington County

In Pennsylvania, “domestic violence” isn’t a single crime. Instead, it’s a label used when certain offenses involve family, a household member, or a romantic partner.

Associated criminal charges may include assault-related offenses, threats, stalking, and more. Separately, a person can seek civil protection under the Protection From Abuse (PFA) law. Criminal charges and a PFA order can proceed simultaneously.

Common Charges in Pennsylvania “Domestic” Cases

Simple Assault (18 Pa.C.S. §2701)

Usually a second-degree misdemeanor (M2). It can be a third-degree misdemeanor (M3) for mutual fights or an M1 when an adult assaults a child under 12.

Aggravated Assault (18 Pa.C.S. §2702)

Felony (F1 or F2) depending on injuries, intent, victim status, or weapon use.

Strangulation (18 Pa.C.S. §2718)

Base offense is M2; becomes F2 if the victim is a family/household member, and F1 when certain aggravators apply (e.g., active PFA, weapon, prior). No physical injury is required to charge.

Terroristic Threats (18 Pa.C.S. §2706)

Generally an M1; certain circumstances can enhance penalties (e.g., evacuations).

Harassment (18 Pa.C.S. §2709)

Graded from summary to M3, with degree enhancements for prior PFA-related violations.

Stalking (18 Pa.C.S. §2709.1)

Often an M1; can be an F3 with priors or certain victim relationships.

Endangering Welfare of Children (EWOC) (18 Pa.C.S. §4304)

Grading varies with conduct and circumstances; can be a felony.

What Does a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order Do?

A PFA is a civil court order meant to prevent abuse between family, household members, or intimate partners. It can order no contact, remove someone from a shared home, and require relinquishment of firearms if a final order is entered.

In Washington County, PFAs are filed at the Courthouse with support from the Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA.

Domestic Violence Penalties & PFA Consequences

Maximum Criminal Charges in Washington County:

Simple Assault

  • Typical Grade: M2 (sometimes M3 or M1)
  • Possible Maximum Penalty:
    • M2: Up to 2 years
    • M3: Up to 1 year
    • M1: Up to 5 years

Aggravated Assault

  • Typical Grade: Felony 2 (F2) or Felony 1 (F1)
  • Possible Maximum Penalty:
    • F2: Up to 10 years
    • F1: Up to 20 years

Strangulation

  • Typical Grade: M2 by default; F2 with domestic or other aggravators; F1 with PFA/weapon/prior offense
  • Possible Maximum Penalty: Up to M2, F2, or F1 levels depending on circumstances

Terroristic Threats

  • Typical Grade: Often M1
  • Possible Maximum Penalty: Up to 5 years (M1); penalties may vary in special cases

Harassment

  • Typical Grade: Summary offense or M3
  • Possible Maximum Penalty:
    • Summary: Up to 90 days
    • M3: Up to 1 year

Stalking

  • Typical Grade: M1 or F3
  • Possible Maximum Penalty:
    • M1: Up to 5 years
    • F3: Up to 7 years

Endangering the Welfare of Children (EWOC)

  • Typical Grade: M1, F3, or higher depending on facts
  • Possible Maximum Penalty: Varies by case; felony exposure possible

*Final grading and sentence depend on the facts, history, and guidelines.

PFA Violations (Indirect Criminal Contempt):

Once served, violating a PFA can lead to an ungraded misdemeanor with fines and up to 6 months in jail. Violations can also lead to order extensions and additional relief imposed.

Find more information on the official Washington County PFA page.

Advice for the First 7 Days After an Arrest or PFA

Zero contact, zero exceptions

No calls, texts, DMs, likes, or messages through friends. If a court order or bail says “no contact,” obey it to the letter.

Secure housing and logistics

Arrange a safe place to stay, retrieve essentials through a police-station exchange or third-party, and set child-exchange protocols that match any order.

Collect every document

Create a single digital or paper folder containing the citation, bail paperwork, criminal complaint, temporary PFA, proof of service, and any police or hospital paperwork.

Calendar all deadlines

Use digital and paper calendars to keep track of the preliminary hearing date, PFA final hearing (often within 10 business days), and any counseling & evaluation appointments. Schedule reminders to be sent in advance.

Preserve evidence

Save texts & voicemails, export call logs, download doorbell & security cam clips before they auto-delete, and screenshot social posts that might vanish. Keep the originals. Don’t edit anything.

Create a timeline and witness map

Write a minute-by-minute timeline for the day(s) in question. List potential witnesses, what they saw & heard, and how to reach them.

Photograph injuries and locations

Take photographs from multiple angles. Use good lighting and date stamps. Take more photos over several days as bruising or injuries evolve. Save medical and therapy records & receipts.

Bail and PFA alignment

Compare bail conditions with any temporary PFA. If they conflict (e.g., childcare exchanges), seek a prompt modification so you don’t get set up for violations.

Seek outside professionals

Begin counseling, anger-management, substance evaluation, or parenting classes. Keep proof of enrollment and attendance.

Limit social media use

Do not post about the case or the people involved. Lock down your privacy settings. If there are any old posts that you want to remove, archive them instead of deleting them. They may be of interest to your lawyer.

Firearms and property

Follow the exact language of any order regarding possession, surrender, or retrieval. Get receipts when you relinquish property and store all paperwork.

Bring your lawyer a package of everything you’ve done

Collect documents, your timeline, witness list, evidence files, and specific questions for your lawyer. The more information you can provide, the stronger your early strategy will be.

The Washington County Legal Process for Domestic Violence Cases

Arrest or Summons & Preliminary Arraignment (Magisterial District Judge)

Most cases begin with local or PA State Police and proceed to an MDJ for bail and conditions. No-contact orders are often issued. Washington County has 11 Magisterial District Courts that handle these early stages. You can find MDJs on the Washington County Magisterial District Judges page.

Preliminary Hearing 

The prosecution must show probable cause. This is a key chance to challenge weak evidence, cross-examine witnesses, negotiate reductions, or narrow the case before it moves to Formal Arraignment.

Formal Arraignment & Pretrial (Court of Common Pleas)

If the case is “held for court,” it transfers to the Washington County Court of Common Pleas (27th Judicial District) for formal arraignment, pretrial motions, and potential trial. The Criminal Division handles matters after the MDJ stage. Filings go through the Clerk of Courts.

PFA Timeline—Parallel but Separate

If a temporary PFA is issued, the court schedules a final hearing within 10 business days. Violations of the temporary order can trigger criminal contempt even before the final hearing.

Resolution Options

Possible outcomes for criminal charges include dismissal, reduction, diversion, negotiated plea, or trial. For PFAs, outcomes can include dismissal, consent agreements without admissions, final orders for up to three years, or tailored relief.

Firearms & No-Contact Conditions in Washington County

PFAs & Firearms (Act 79)

Pennsylvania’s Act 79 tightened firearm relinquishment guidelines. For final PFAs, the court must order firearm relinquishment in many cases, with strict rules for how and where to surrender, and timelines to get them back after the order ends.

Read the statute at 23 Pa.C.S. §6108 for details about the surrender process.

No-Contact Orders & Bail

Judges commonly impose no-contact as a bail condition in Washington County criminal cases. Violating bail can mean arrest and detention. PFA and bail orders can both limit contact, and both must be obeyed to avoid repercussions.

Washington County Courts & Resources

Use these local resources to understand where to go and what to expect.

Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Washington County Domestic Violence Case?

We defend both parts of a “domestic” situation: the criminal case and the civil PFA. Decisions in one courtroom can affect the other.

  • Immediate action on bail & conditions. We push for reasonable terms and clarify no-contact rules to keep you compliant.
  • Evidence-first strategy. We analyze 911 calls, body-cam footage, photos, texts, and prior statements for inconsistencies.
  • Targeted motions. We challenge probable cause, hearsay use at prelims, and improper opinion testimony.
  • Coordinated PFA approach. We prepare testimony, exhibits, and negotiate consent terms. Washington County schedules final PFA hearings quickly—within about 10 business days—so contact us as soon as possible.

Trust Worgul, Sarna & Ness for:

  • Clear explanations of consequences and options.
  • Court-ready presentations with exhibits and witness prep.
  • Respectful, assertive negotiation with prosecutors.
  • Trial-ready posture.

Our local experience can make a difference in your Washington County domestic violence case.

Areas We Serve in Washington County

We help clients across Washington County, including:

  • Washington
  • Canonsburg
  • McMurray (Peters Township)
  • North Strabane Township
  • South Strabane
  • Cecil Township
  • Chartiers Township
  • Monongahela
  • Donora
  • Charleroi
  • California
  • Bentleyville
  • Eighty Four

and nearby communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence & PFAs in Washington County

Is “domestic violence” a separate criminal charge in Pennsylvania?

No. It’s a label that can apply to several crimes (like assault, strangulation, threats, or stalking) based on the relationship. A civil PFA can be filed separately. Both can run at the same time and should be handled together.

How fast will my PFA hearing be scheduled?

If a temporary PFA is granted, the court sets a final hearing within 10 business days. In Washington County, the Sheriff attempts service and the court won’t proceed without proof of service. Violations of a temporary order can lead to arrest.

What happens if I violate a PFA?

You can be charged with Indirect Criminal Contempt. In Washington County, the court notes contempt can carry fines, up to 6 months in jail, extension of the order, and other relief. Don’t risk consequences. Follow the order and call a lawyer.

Will I have to surrender my firearms?

For final PFAs, Act 79 and 23 Pa.C.S. §6108 can require surrender, with strict rules on where/how to relinquish and how to request return after expiration. The Commonwealth provides guidance on the process.

Is strangulation always a felony?

Not always. Base strangulation is an M2, but it escalates to F2 when the victim is a family/household member (and in other scenarios), and F1 with certain aggravators (e.g., active PFA, weapon, prior).

Call a Washington County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today

Criminal accusations and PFAs move fast in Washington County. The sooner we start, the more options we have to build a strong defense.

Call 724-399-3491 or contact us online for a confidential, free consultation with a domestic violence defense attorney.

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