Editor's note: This story has been updated to add reaction from both parties.

A judge Thursday granted a state lawmaker's request for a protection from abuse order against her legislative colleague, state Rep. Nick Miccarelli.

As a result of an agreement reached prior to the proceeding, senior Judge Jeffrey Smith ordered a three-year PFA against Miccarelli, a five-term Delaware County Republican, but will allow him to return to work at the Capitol.

Miccarelli is barred from possessing firearms except for when needed for his duties with the Army National Guard.

That allows Miccarelli to resume his legislative duties, including participating in House sessions, while a criminal investigation into sexual assault and domestic violence allegations against him is under way by the Dauphin County District Attorney's office.

Miccarelli, 35, has denied the allegations by state Rep. Tara Toohil, who requested the PFA, and another women whose name had not been publicly disclosed. No charges have been filed against Miccarelli.

The temporary PFA ordered Miccarelli to steer clear of Toohil, which prevented him from participating in this week's House sessions.

Miccarelli's attorney, Joseph Podraza, said Miccarelli set out Thursday to achieve his freedom to go back to the Capitol and enter an admission of no wrongdoing

"I feel, I feel vindicated. I'm looking forward again to going back to the Capitol. I can't say it's been an enjoyable process but I look forward to vindicating myself one day at a time."

Toohil was dating Miccarelli in 2012, and alleged in her petition for the PFA that Miccarelli had threatened her with a gun in 2012 and drove 100 mph while threatening to crash his car with her in it.

She was granted a temporary PFA on Friday and told reporters on Monday she believed her safety was threatened because she broke her silence by filing for the restraining order. She said she felt, as a public official, that it was her duty to come forward for the protection of other women.

Rep. Toohil reacts to PFA hearing decision Posted by PennLive.com on Thursday, March 15, 2018

After Thursday's hearing, Toohil's lawyer, Jarrett Ferrentino, said: "Representative Miccarelli agreed to a protection from abuse order today after being accused of very, very serious abuse allegations. I don't know on what planet that would seem to be vindication. Here's how this works. No one is above the law. Not even the men and women that make the law. Right now, there is an order in place that he is to have no contact with Ms. Toohil. And that is exactly what we wanted and that's what we achieved."

The findings of a House investigation into Toohil's allegations as well as a rape allegation by another woman, who has not chosen to make her name public, has been turned over to the county DA's office.

House GOP leaders, Gov. Tom Wolf, and some House Democrats have called on Miccarelli to resign. He has filed paperwork to seek re-election this year to his House seat.

After the hearing Thursday, Miccarelli said: "I have a feeling what transpired in here today might hopefully give them some reason to reconsider."

Check back to PennLive for more details on the hearing.