Q: If you do not come to a PFA hearing can you get arrested?
A:
If you are involved in a Protection From Abuse (PFA) case and fail to attend the hearing, the consequences depend on your role in the case. If you are the petitioner, the one who requested the PFA, not showing up could result in the dismissal of your case. This means the protective order may not be granted, and you could lose the legal protection you were seeking.
If you are the respondent, the one the PFA is against, not attending the hearing can have serious consequences. The court may issue a default judgment against you, meaning the protective order could be granted in your absence, potentially imposing various restrictions on you. However, typically, you won't be arrested simply for not appearing at the PFA hearing. But, if a protective order is issued and you violate its terms, then you could be arrested.
It's crucial to take all court dates seriously and attend them unless you have a very compelling reason not to. If you cannot attend, it's advisable to contact the court as soon as possible to explain your situation and see if the hearing can be rescheduled. Ignoring court orders or hearings can lead to further legal complications, so it's best to address them head-on and seek legal advice if needed.
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