Getting a no-contact order can be devastating and overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what exactly to do about it. If you can relate, you are not alone. We get a good number of inquiries from clients with questions about no-contact orders. The most commonly asked question is what to do if you’ve received a no-contact order in Pittsburgh.
What Is a No-Contact Order?
A no-contact order is often part of a protection from abuse order, frequently referred to as a PFA. A PFA has many conditions to which the recipient of the order must adhere. No contact means no in-person encounters and no phone calls, text messages, emails, social media interactions, voicemails, postal mail, etc.
This also restricts the ordered party from sending third-party or second-hand messages to the protected individuals. For example, you cannot ask someone to give them a message, even if the message seems harmless. Even saying hello can have consequences.
It also requires that the ordered party not be in the vicinity of the protected individuals, particularly in places where a chance encounter is possible. For instance, if you have a protective order filed against you, you cannot go to the protected person’s home, school, workplace, or church. Even if you violate a no-contact order by accident, you could face PFA violation charges.
Who Issues No-Contact Orders in Pittsburgh?
No-contact orders are issued by the county. In Allegheny County, the Fifth Judicial District, the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division issues no-contact orders. This courthouse is located at 440 Ross Street, Suite 301, in Pittsburgh. Initial orders are usually served by police, and the final order hearing occurs shortly thereafter at the courthouse mentioned above.
It is common to have very little time to get a domestic violence defense lawyer before your final order hearing, so it is especially important to take quick action.
What to Do If You’ve Received a No-Contact Order in Pittsburgh
When you receive a no-contact order, it is essential to fully understand and follow the order. Failure to do so can create further legal problems. The following steps can help you avoid domestic violence penalties.
Step 1. Read the notice you’ve received carefully, taking special note of the specific requirements of your order, as well as those behaviors that are prohibited for you. There may be unique conditions in addition to those described above. Keep in mind that breaking the no-contact order laws is considered a contempt of court and is a punishable criminal act.
Step 2. Comply with all the terms in the order, and don’t contact the protected individual. It is a common urge of many people who receive these orders to try to make amends or ask them why they filed a no-contact order. This is a mistake, though, and it could land you in jail.
Step 3. Contact a Pittsburgh domestic violence defense attorney. One of the most vital steps you can take if you’ve received a no-contact order is to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer. An attorney can provide crucial legal advice, further explain the terms of your order, protect your rights, and represent you in court hearings. If necessary, an attorney can advise you on and facilitate any requests for modifications or assist you if you decide to contest the order.
Step 4. Your Pittsburgh domestic violence defense attorney may provide you with further instructions, which you must adhere to. This can prevent you from inadvertently violating the order. Maintain communication with your lawyer. They may request that you gather evidence for your case, such as the following:
- text and phone records
- witness statements
- letters of credibility
- video or surveillance camera footage
- photographs or digital images
- direct messages or social media posts that attest to the relationship and/or your or their character
Step 5. Show up to all scheduled court dates. Failing to show up to hearings could result in a longer order and can harm your relationship with the court.
Why Choose Us?
Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law, has a polished reputation in Pittsburgh. For 40 years, we have been building our firm based on respect and professionalism. We value compatibility, cooperation, and communication. Our firm focuses on what truly matters, and that is getting our clients the results they want.
FAQs
What Are the Rules for a No-Contact Order in PA?
The rules for a no-contact order in PA require the ordered party not to contact the protected party. This means no contact via text, phone calls, voicemails, emails, social media, third-party communication, postal mail, or any other form of communication.
It also means ensuring you do not run into the protected individual by accident. You can prevent this by not going near their neighborhood, work, or school and staying away from restaurants, parks, or stores they might frequent.
How Long Do No-Contact Orders Last in PA?
In PA, temporary no-contact orders are effective for up to 10 days or until the date of the hearing. Once a final order is granted by the court, it may last up to three years. The timeframe is decided by the court. Extensions are granted for up to an additional three years.
What Can You Say to a Judge to Drop a No-Contact Order?
There’s nothing specific you can say to a judge to get a no-contact order dropped. A judge may terminate or modify a no-contact order if you can submit evidence that it was issued on the basis of invalid information in the first place. For an optimal chance at achieving a result as close as possible to what you want, speak to a Pittsburgh domestic violence defense attorney.
What Proof Do You Need for a Restraining Order in Pennsylvania?
To get a restraining order in Pennsylvania, the party requesting the order must show they are in danger. This can be in the form of a police report, medical reports, communication records, or witness testimony. A PFA is valid in every county in Pennsylvania and every other state in the US.
Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer With a Longstanding Reputation
If you have been served with a no-contact order in Pittsburgh, don’t make the mistake of going into this without a reputable and experienced Pittsburgh domestic violence defense attorney. Contact Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law, to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
