What You Need to Know
If you’re facing threats, harassment, or abuse in Arizona, an Order of Protection can serve as a legal shield. At Rideout Law Group, we help clients across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area secure these protective measures or defend against them when unjustly filed.
Arizona law offers several protective options for individuals in domestic or family-related situations. An Order of Protection (OOP) is one such remedy, issued under A.R.S. § 13-3602, designed to prevent future harm by legally restraining the alleged abuser from making contact.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An Arizona Order of Protection is a court-issued injunction that prohibits a person (the defendant) from contacting or coming near the person seeking protection (the plaintiff). It’s typically used in domestic violence cases where the parties have a family, romantic, or household relationship.
To qualify, the plaintiff must show that the defendant committed or may commit an act of domestic violence. This includes:
- Assault or aggravated assault
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassment or stalking
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal damage
- Unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping
Who Can File for an Order of Protection?
You can petition for an OOP if the defendant is:
- A current or former spouse
- Someone you live with or used to live with
- The parent of your child
- A blood relative (parent, sibling, etc.)
- Someone you are or were in a romantic or sexual relationship with
The relationship requirement is what distinguishes an Order of Protection from an Injunction Against Harassment, which is used when no such relationship exists.
What Restrictions Can It Include?
An Arizona OOP can impose several conditions on the defendant, including:
- Prohibiting all forms of contact (calls, texts, visits)
- Forcing the defendant to move out of a shared home
- Granting temporary custody of shared children
- Barring the defendant from possessing firearms
Violating the order is a criminal offense and can lead to arrest, fines, and jail time.
How Long Does It Last?
Once granted, an Order of Protection is valid for one year from the date it is served. It remains inactive until the defendant is formally served, which can be done by law enforcement or a private process server.
Can It Be Contested?
Yes. The defendant has the right to request a hearing to contest the order. At the hearing, both parties may present evidence and testimony. The judge can choose to uphold, modify, or dismiss the order.
If you’ve been served with an Order of Protection, you believe is unwarranted, you should contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. A protective order on your record can have consequences in family court, employment, and gun rights.
How to File for an Order of Protection in Arizona
Arizona has made the process of requesting an Order of Protection more accessible through an online filing system called AZPOINT (Arizona Protective Order Initiation and Notification Tool). This system allows individuals to start the process confidentially and conveniently from any location with internet access.
To begin your petition, visit the official AZPOINT portal:
👉 https://azpoint.azcourts.gov/
Once your information is submitted, it will be securely stored for up to 90 days. You’ll then be directed to visit a participating courthouse to finalize and file your request. Many Arizona courts now rely exclusively on AZPOINT for initiating protective orders, including those in Maricopa County and Mohave County.
Filing online allows survivors to avoid direct contact with the courts until necessary, offering additional privacy and safety during a difficult time.
Why Choose Rideout Law Group?
At Rideout Law Group, we have decades of combined experience handling protective order cases from both sides. Whether you’re seeking safety or defending your rights against a false claim, our Scottsdale legal team provides:
- Same-day consultations
- Aggressive courtroom representation
- Local insight into Maricopa County courts
- Discreet, compassionate legal support
Let us help you navigate this emotionally charged process with clarity and strength.
Contact Us Today
Whether you’re looking to file an Order of Protection in Scottsdale or need help fighting one, we’re here to protect your rights and your future.
📞 Call (480) 584-3328
✉️ Contact Rideout Law Group – Scottsdale Office