Criminal Defense Lawyers

Arizona Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment Lawyers

Arizona Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment Lawyers – Your Guide to Getting Legal Help

Getting an order of protection or injunction against harassment in Arizona can be confusing and overwhelming. Having an experienced lawyer on your side makes the process smoother and increases your chances of success. This article provides an overview of orders of protection and injunctions in Arizona, and how a lawyer can help.

What is an Order of Protection in Arizona?

An order of protection is a court order designed to prevent domestic violence and harassment. It prohibits the defendant (the person you are filing against) from contacting you or coming near you. An order of protection can also grant you custody of children, require the defendant to leave your shared home, and more.

There are two types of orders of protection in Arizona:

• Emergency Order of Protection – Granted by a judge and lasts up to one year. It provides immediate protection while your case is pending.
• Injunction Against Harassment – This is the permanent order that provides long-term protection after a court hearing. It can last up to one year and be renewed annually.

What is an Injunction Against Harassment?

An injunction against harassment is similar to an order of protection. The main difference is it does not require an intimate relationship between you and the defendant. These injunctions prevent any type of harassment, stalking, or threatening behavior.

Injunctions against harassment provide many of the same protections as emergency orders of protection, like prohibiting contact. They can also order counseling, treatment programs, and other interventions for the defendant.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Get an Order of Protection or Injunction?

While you can request an order of protection or injunction yourself, having a lawyer makes the process much easier. An attorney can:

• Advise you on the type of order best suited for your situation
• Help gather evidence like police reports, threatening messages, photos, etc.
• Assist with completing all required paperwork accurately
• Represent you at court hearings
• Negotiate matters like child custody, property retrieval, and more
• Increase the chances your request will be approved

The laws around orders of protection and injunctions can be complex. An attorney knows the system inside and out. Their legal expertise can be invaluable.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get an Emergency Order of Protection?

Emergency orders provide immediate protection, but the process to get one can be daunting. A lawyer can:

• Go with you to the courthouse to file the emergency request
• Advise what evidence is needed to prove imminent danger
• Represent you at the hearing before a judge, often the same day
• Argue persuasively for why you need protection
• Negotiate matters like temporary custody arrangements
• Help ensure the order is comprehensive in protecting you

Having an attorney by your side shows the judge you are taking the matter seriously. It demonstrates the alleged threats and abuse are so severe you need immediate protection. This can sway the judge in your favor.

What Does a Lawyer Do at an Injunction Against Harassment Hearing?

Injunction hearings are full courtroom trials with both parties present. The defendant has the right to argue their side, often with legal counsel. A lawyer can:

• Handle all communication with the defendant’s attorney
• Thoroughly prepare your testimony and other supporting evidence
• Argue to the judge why the harassment would continue without court intervention
• Question witnesses like police, investigators, etc.
• Object to evidence presented by the defendant
• Negotiate matters like counseling programs and treatment
• Advocate for a strong injunction order on your behalf

Having an experienced trial lawyer makes a huge difference at injunction hearings. It relieves your stress and ensures your side is professionally represented.

How Can an Attorney Help Enforce My Order of Protection or Injunction?

Even after an order is issued, many defendants violate the terms and continue harassing behaviors. A lawyer can:

• Advise you on documenting any violations
• File contempt of court charges against defendants who disobey orders
• Represent you at contempt hearings to hold violators accountable
• Request modifications to make orders stronger
• Advocate for penalties like fines or jail time for repeat offenders
• Negotiate matters like reimbursement for damages
• Help extend orders near expiration if the threat remains

Having an attorney ready to enforce your order provides critical peace of mind. You don’t have to face further victimization alone.

What Other Legal Protections Can a Lawyer Recommend?

Beyond orders of protection and injunctions, attorneys can explore additional options to enhance your safety like:

• Filing for divorce and requesting restraining orders
• Getting custody orders for minor children
• Freezing joint financial assets so they can’t be drained
• Recovering personal property from a shared residence
• Changing locks on homes and vehicles
• Requiring the defendant to surrender firearms
• Having the defendant monitored via GPS ankle bracelet
• Getting reimbursement for costs like medical bills, lost wages, etc.

An experienced lawyer can develop a comprehensive strategy using the most effective legal remedies. This provides maximum protection.

How Do I Find the Right Lawyer to Help Me?

It’s important to find an attorney who is experienced with orders of protection and injunctions. Look for someone who:

• Focuses on family law and domestic violence matters
• Has successfully handled many order of protection cases
• Is compassionate and makes you feel supported
• Responds quickly to your calls, emails, and requests
• Is available for meetings and court on short notice
• Welcomes explaining the legal process and answering your questions
• Charges reasonable rates for their services

Don’t be afraid to ask prospective lawyers detailed questions before hiring them. Getting an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with is critical.

Can I Afford an Attorney for My Order of Protection Case?

Many lawyers offer flexible payment plans or reduced rates for order of protection cases. Some options to explore include:

• Payment plans allowing you to pay over several months
• Discounted rates for clients with financial limitations
• Legal aid organizations providing pro bono or low-cost services
• Associations like the YWCA offering free legal help for domestic abuse victims
• Law school clinics handling cases under attorney supervision
• Using an attorney just for critical hearings while preparing your own filings

Discuss your financial situation openly with attorneys you interview. Many will work with you to make their services affordable. Getting legal help is possible even on a tight budget.

Conclusion – Let an Attorney Handle the Details

Going through domestic abuse or any form of harassment is traumatic enough without struggling through complex legal processes alone. An experienced Arizona attorney can guide you through successfully obtaining an order of protection or injunction. They know the system, the judges, and exactly how to build a strong case on your behalf. Having a lawyer as your advocate lets you focus on healing while they handle the legal details. Don’t go it alone – protect yourself and your future by contacting an attorney today.