Protection from Abuse/Protection from Harassment

The courts can grant someone a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order if they have been abused or threatened by a family member and the court thinks that they are still at risk.  Getting a PFA order can be a lifeline for someone who needs protection, but it also can have devastating effects on the defendant named in the order – for up to two years it can keep them from seeing their children, going to certain places, and also forbid them from having firearms.  If the danger posed to the person seeking the order does not come from someone who is a family member or former dating partner, then a Protection from Harassment (PFH) order can be obtained that will have the same effect. 

Whether you feel like you need to file for a PFA order or you feel like one has been unfairly filed against you, we would be glad to speak with you about helping you through this difficult situation.  Usually, the timeframes for getting these PFA and PFH orders are very condensed, so you will be best served by seeing a lawyer as soon as you can.  At Sanders, Hanstein & Carey there is usually no charge for your initial consultation in these cases.