Order of Protection in Arizona: What It Means and What You Can (and Cannot) Do
What Is an Order of Protection?
An Order of Protection (OOP) is one of the most immediate and disruptive consequences of a domestic violence case in Arizona. It’s a court order that can be issued quickly—often without you present—and takes effect as soon as you’re served.
What an Order of Protection Can Do
Depending on how it’s written, an OOP can:
- Prohibit all contact with the protected person
- Remove you from your home immediately
- Prevent you from going near certain locations (home, work, school)
- Restrict firearm possession
- Apply to your children in some cases
And here’s the reality: You don’t get a warning—you get served, and it’s active immediately.
The Biggest Mistake: Violating the Order
Violating an Order of Protection is a separate criminal charge in Arizona. Even small actions can count:
- Replying to a text
- Sending a message through someone else
- Showing up somewhere you know the person will be
It doesn’t matter who initiated contact. If the order says no contact, it means no contact.
Can You Fight an Order of Protection?
Yes. You have the right to request a hearing—typically within 10 days of service. At that hearing, the judge will decide whether the order stays in place.
This is where strategy matters:
- Cross-examining the petitioner
- Challenging credibility
- Presenting evidence and context
Handled correctly, OOP hearings can significantly impact your related criminal case.
Why This Matters for Your Criminal Case
An Order of Protection isn’t just a side issue—it often shapes:
- Plea negotiations
- Credibility findings
- Court perception of the case
What happens in that hearing can carry over into your criminal defense.
Talk to an Arizona Domestic Violence Attorney
If you’ve been served with an Order of Protection, timing matters. At Palestini Law, we help clients:
- Navigate compliance immediately
- Prepare for OOP hearings
- Align the defense with the criminal case
If you’ve been served, don’t guess—get clarity on what you can and cannot do.
JAMES P. PALESTINI
Originally from Toronto, Canada, James Palestini relocated to Arizona where he received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies with a minor in Criminology from Arizona State University. James then attended law school at Phoenix School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree. While pursuing his doctorate, James interned at a criminal defense firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. James handled a multitude of criminal cases there, including felony, misdemeanor and criminal traffic matters.
