Jefferson County
Protection From Abuse Information
If you wish to obtain a Protection From Abuse Order in Jefferson County, you may contact the Crossroads Agency. The telephone number is (814) 938-3580. The coordinator will guide you through the process of obtaining a Temporary Protection From Abuse Order, and accompany you to the emergency hearing before the court. If a temporary order is granted, a hearing will be set within ten days of the issuance of the order.
After obtaining the temporary order, you may contact a private attorney or contact Laurel Legal Services, Inc. for representation. The office is located at
18 Western Avenue, Suite I
Brookville, PA 15825
(814) 849-3044
On the hearing date, the parties and their attorneys first attempt to reach a consent agreement. Agreeing to consent to a PFA is not an admission of guilt. A consent agreement allows the parties to agree upon the terms of a permanent PFA Order. If an agreement is reached, a consent order is prepared and signed by all parties as well as their attorneys. If the defendant refuses to consent, then a hearing will be held before a judge. The judge decides whether to grant or deny a PFA, and the duration of the order. A PFA may be granted for a maximum of thirty-six months.