There were 119 people killed in domestic violence-related events in 2023 in Pennsylvania—two of those took place in Lebanon County. Domestic violence is considered a serious issue, and Lebanon County has attempted to make the process for obtaining a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order as easy as possible for victims of abuse. In some cases, however, it helps to have an attorney.
If you are involved in a PFA case in Lebanon County—whether as a victim seeking protection or as someone defending against an accusation—the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team is here to support you. We handle domestic violence and PFA cases across Pennsylvania. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Lebanon County?
Domestic violence involves committing an abusive act against a family or household member, a current or former sexual or intimate partner, or someone with whom you share a child. Under Pennsylvania law, domestic violence includes, but is not limited to:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing bodily harm (such as assault or rape)
- False imprisonment
- Threatening someone in a way that places them in reasonable fear for their safety
- Sexual abuse and child abuse
- Engaging in patterns of behavior that create a reasonable fear of bodily harm
While domestic violence often involves physical acts like kicking, punching, or shoving, it can also include non-physical abuse such as stalking or harassment.
How Domestic Abuse Victims Can Get Protection
In certain situations, a perpetrator of domestic violence can be arrested, but only if their actions constitute a criminal offense. For many victims, the most effective way to obtain protection is through a PFA, a civil court order designed to provide legal protection for victims of domestic abuse. It prohibits the perpetrator named in the order from approaching or contacting the victim. Violating a PFA can result in arrest.
Obtaining a PFA in Lebanon County
To request PFA, you can go to the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon, PA. Court clerks can assist you in filing for a temporary PFA, but they can't give you legal advice. A judge must approve the order before it becomes effective and is served to the perpetrator. Typically, the initial PFA is temporary and remains in effect until a hearing takes place before a judge with both parties present.
You can read more about how PFAs work on our Lebanon County PFA resource page.
Final PFA Hearing
The hearing typically occurs a few days after the temporary PFA is issued. During the hearing, both parties have the opportunity to present their arguments, and the judge will determine whether to make the PFA final or dismiss it.
While obtaining a temporary PFA is usually straightforward without legal assistance, it's highly recommended to seek legal support for the hearing. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team for help protecting your rights, whether you are the one who filed the PFA or are responding to the allegations.
Get Assistance With Your PFA Case from the LLF Law Firm
We have extensive experience assisting individuals with domestic violence and PFA cases, and we're here to help you. Whether you need protection or are seeking to defend your rights, we're ready to provide the legal support you need. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your case.
Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your information through our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation.