What to Do if a No Contact Order Is Issued Against You in Pittsburgh, PA
No Contact Order PA
In Pennsylvania, a no-contact order, also known as a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, is a court order that restricts the abuser from contacting the victim, their children, or anyone else named in the order. This order can also prevent the abuser from going to the victim’s home, school, or workplace.
Anyone in Pennsylvania could obtain a no-contact order, and they don’t cost a dime. If someone you know claims you’re stalking, intimidating, or abusing them, they could file a petition to obtain a no-contact order reasonably quickly.
If you’ve been served a protection-from-abuse order in Pennsylvania, you must remain calm. Contacting the alleged abuser to “clear the air” could only worsen things and potentially lead to jail time and fines. Knowing the details of your no contact order and how to avoid violating it could make all the difference in your case.
If you have a no-contact order and are in need of legal representation, contact our criminal lawyer in Pittsburgh today. We offer free consultations and can discuss potential options for your situation. (412) 281-2146.
What Are No-Contact Orders in Pennsylvania?
No contact orders are exactly how they sound—they prohibit you from contacting an alleged victim of abuse in any way. The court might issue one of the following types of no-contact orders:
- Protection from Abuse Order – protects someone from physical or sexual abuse caused by an intimate partner or family member
- Protection from Sexual Violence Order – protects individuals from abuse caused by someone who isn’t a close relative or intimate partner
- Protection from Intimidation Order – protects minors from adults 18 or older who stalk or harass them.
When Does the Court Issue a No-Contact Order in PA?
Victims must go to the county courthouse and fill out a form stating the details of the abuse they claim to have suffered. If a judge deems it necessary to issue a protective order, they will grant a temporary one until the final hearing ten days later.
The court might grant a protective order if the alleged victim accuses someone of the following:
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Intimidation and threats
- Physical abuse
Furthermore, you might have already been charged or convicted of domestic violence or another crime against the alleged victim, which could also result in the court issuing a protective order.
What Are the Rules of a No-Contact Order in Pennsylvania?
You should understand the details of your protective order to ensure you don’t violate the conditions. According to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, a no-contact order could prohibit you from doing the following:
- Contacting the alleged victim via phone, social media, or email
- Personally visiting the victim at their home or work
- Owning firearms
- Living in the same home as the victim (if the alleged victim is an intimate partner)
Ultimately, the judge will include any restrictions they feel are necessary to ensure the alleged victim’s safety.
If your no-contact order stems from allegations of physical abuse or domestic violence, understanding the criminal charges you may be facing is equally important. Our Pittsburgh attorneys have deep experience defending against assault and domestic violence charges throughout Western Pennsylvania—call 412-281-2146 for a free consultation.
What to Do if You Have Been Issued a No-Contact Order in Pittsburgh
If you’ve been served a protection order, tread carefully and do the following:
Contact an Attorney
While the alleged victim has a right to obtain a protective order, you have a right to protect yourself legally.
You might already have charges against you, or the order came out of the blue. Either way, your situation could worsen the longer you wait to contact an attorney.
Follow the Order
Next, you should follow all the conditions outlined in the agreement. A violation of a protective order could result in severe penalties and fines.
You might want to visit the victim or call them to see if you both can resolve the issue yourselves. Resist this temptation and let your attorney help you understand your rights and options. Even if the alleged victim tries to contact you, ignore them to protect yourself from further punishment.
Stay Calm
False claims of abuse are widespread. Alleged victims might want to get a leg up in custody hearings or kick you out of the family home. Whatever the case, these attempts to assassinate your character could greatly hinder your future opportunities. That’s why it’s vital not to let your emotions get the best of you and to listen to your attorney’s instructions so you can put this behind you.
What Are the Penalties for Violating a No-Contact Order in Pennsylvania?
Violating a protective order only further justifies the alleged victim’s reasoning for obtaining one and puts you in deep legal trouble. A conviction for violating a PFA could result in up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.
No-Contact Orders in Allegheny County — What to Expect
If you’ve been served a no-contact order in the Pittsburgh area, your case will likely move through the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas — Family Division, which handles PFA petitions for residents throughout the county. Temporary PFA orders are often granted the same day the petition is filed at the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh.
For incidents that occur outside Pittsburgh city limits, the process may begin at one of Allegheny County’s magisterial district courts before being transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for the final hearing. Regardless of where the petition originates, the final PFA hearing will take place before a Family Division judge.
Allegheny County processes a high volume of PFA cases, and the local courts move quickly—you may have as few as 10 days between being served and your final hearing. This tight timeline makes it critical to speak with a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our team at Worgul, Sarna & Ness has extensive experience representing clients in PFA hearings at the Allegheny County Courthouse and understands how local judges approach these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Contact Orders in Pennsylvania
How long does a no-contact order last in PA?
A temporary PFA order lasts until the final hearing, which is typically scheduled within 10 business days. If the judge grants a final PFA order after the hearing, it can remain in effect for up to three years. The protected person may petition the court to extend the order before it expires if they believe the threat of harm continues.
Can a no-contact order be modified or lifted?
Yes. Either party can petition the court to modify or terminate a no-contact order. The defendant can request a hearing to have the order lifted or its conditions adjusted—for example, to allow limited contact for child custody exchanges. The judge will evaluate whether circumstances have changed enough to warrant the modification. Having an experienced attorney present your case significantly improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
What happens if you violate a no-contact order in Pennsylvania?
Violating a PFA order is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. A first-time violation is typically charged as an indirect criminal contempt, carrying up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If you have prior PFA violations or the violation involved weapons or physical injury, you could face more serious charges with steeper penalties. Even indirect contact—such as having a friend relay a message—can constitute a violation.
Is a no-contact order the same as a PFA?
Not exactly. A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is one specific type of no-contact order in Pennsylvania. PFA orders address abuse between family members, intimate partners, or household members under 23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61. Pennsylvania also issues Protection from Sexual Violence Orders (PSVO) and Protection from Intimidation Orders (PIO), which cover situations involving non-family members. Learn more about the consequences of violating a protection from abuse order in Pennsylvania.
Can a no-contact order be issued without a criminal charge?
Yes. A PFA is a civil protective order, not a criminal charge. The alleged victim can petition the court for a no-contact order independently of any criminal proceedings—you do not need to be arrested or charged with a crime for someone to obtain one against you. However, if you are already facing criminal charges such as domestic violence or harassment, the court may also impose a no-contact condition as part of your bail.
Will a no-contact order show up on a background check?
A PFA order itself is a civil matter and generally does not appear on a standard criminal background check. However, if you violated the order and were convicted of contempt or a related criminal offense, that conviction will appear on your record. PFA orders are also entered into the Pennsylvania State Police Protection from Abuse Database, which law enforcement can access during routine interactions.
How an Attorney Could Help You
You have ten days to contact an attorney before appearing at the final PFA hearing. After that, a PFA could remain in effect for up to three years if granted by the judge. Whether you’re attending a final PFA hearing or a contempt hearing for an alleged PFA violation, an attorney could benefit your case in several ways.
Your attorney could help you gather valuable evidence to clear your name, such as phone records, photos and videos, receipts, or witness testimony. This evidence will help prove where you were during the alleged incident that prompted the no-contact order. Lawyers also have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania law and can ensure your rights aren’t violated in any way.
At the end of the day, a lawyer can offer you peace of mind knowing you’re not alone and have a solid legal advocate fighting by your side. Learn more about our team at Worgul, Sarna & Ness and why clients across Pittsburgh trust us with their defense.
Were You Served a No-Contact Order in Pennsylvania? Contact Us Today
A no-contact order could temporarily prevent you from seeing your kids, kick you out of your home, or otherwise hinder your rights. You must immediately contact the lawyers at Worgul, Sarna & Ness Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, to review your options and fight your charges.
We don’t shy away from trial and ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at (412) 281-2146 to schedule a free consultation.
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