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1. What is an order of protection?

An Order of Protection is a court order that is issued to stop a person from committing domestic violence or from contacting people protected by the order. 

Pinal County Superior Court currently has helpful information on protective orders and available forms. 

2. What’s the difference between a restraining order and a protective order?

A restraining order is a commonly used term for an order of protection or an injunction against harassment, which are protective orders.

3. What is an order of protection?

An order of protection is issued when there is a “family” relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant. The plaintiff must state how an act of domestic violence was threatened or committed against the plaintiff within the last year. If both a family relationship and an act of domestic violence do not apply, an injunction against harassment is the appropriate process.

Pinal County Superior Court currently has helpful information on protective orders and available forms. 

4. What is an injunction against harassment?

An injunction against harassment is requested when the defendant has committed a series of acts (more than one) of harassment against the plaintiff in the last year. Also, a “dating” relationship without living together could be the basis for this injunction.

Pinal County Superior Court currently has helpful information on protective orders and available forms. 

5. How long is a protection order in effect?

A protective order will be effective for two (2) years from the date of service. 

If the judge issues the Order of Protection, the court will send a copy of it and your petition to law enforcement (city police, county sheriff, or constable) for service on the defendant. You can help this process by providing information on the most likely places where the defendant can be served. Questions you’ll be asked in AZPOINT will help collect this information. If law enforcement has not been able to serve the order within 15 days, you may be asked to give the law enforcement agency more information about the defendant.

6. What if the other person contests the protective order?

The defendant may request a hearing on the injunction one time during the twelve months in which it is in effect. A hearing will be held within ten (10) business days from the date requested unless the court finds compelling reasons to continue the hearing for a longer period of time.

7. What do I do if my child is being harassed by a bully at school?

Arizona has a new law that requires schools to have policies on bullying, harassment and intimidation. The message is clear: create an environment where bullying is not tolerated. Each school is required to have a procedure for students, parents and teachers to confidentially report bullying behavior to a school official to trigger investigation, punishment and prevention of further bullying behavior. See A.R.S. §15-341. If the bullying acts threaten or actually cause injury to a person or property, then more severe penalties are called for and carried out under Arizona’s criminal laws. See A.R.S. §13-2911.

8. Is there a fee to file a protective order?

No. There are no fees to submit a petition for a protective order to any court.

9. What is a domestic violence crime?

Domestic Violence includes: assault, aggravated assault, aggravated harassment, aggravated domestic violence, child or vulnerable adult abuse, criminal damage, criminal trespass, crimes against children, custodial interference, disobeying a court order, disorderly conduct, endangerment, harassment, kidnapping, stalking, surreptitious videotaping, threatening and intimidating, unlawful imprisonment, unlawful use of telephone.

For more information on domestic violence please contact the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900 or 800-782-6400.

If you are in immediate danger please call 911.