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Order of Protection vs. Injunction Against Harassment in Pima County: Which One Do You Need?

Knowing which type of protective order is right for you can seem like a difficult choice, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Knowing whether an order of protection or an injunction against harassment is a better fit is best done with the help of a legal paraprofessional by your side. He can help you figure out which option is most appropriate, and help you seek that remedy correctly through the complicated court process. 

At JNH Legal Services, PLLC, our legal paraprofessional can help. He is ready to help you seek the appropriate protective order or injunction against harassment in Pima County.    

What an Order of Protection Covers

An Order of Protection is usually designed for domestic violence situations, as defined by Arizona law. This means that the relationship between you and the other person must fall into one of a few different categories. 

You can request an Order of Protection if the defendant is:

  • A current or former spouse
  • Someone you live with or used to live with
  • Someone you share a child with
  • A romantic or sexual partner (current or former)
  • A close family member, including parents, siblings, grandparents, in‑laws, or step‑relatives

The court must also find that the defendant committed or attempted to commit an act of domestic violence. This can include:

  • Physical assault
  • Threats or intimidation
  • Harassment or stalking
  • Criminal damage
  • Unlawful imprisonment
  • Interference with phone or electronic communication

What an Order of Protection Can Do

An Order of Protection may:

  • Prohibit all contact
  • Restrict communication through any medium
  • Bar the defendant from your home, workplace, or school
  • Require firearm surrender in qualifying cases
  • Protect children when appropriate

What an Injunction Against Harassment Covers

An Injunction Against Harassment (IAH) is used when your relationship doesn’t fit the requirements for a protective order. This usually applies for:

  • Neighbors
  • Classmates
  • Strangers
  • Landlords
  • Strangers who won’t leave you alone
  • Others outside the domestic violence relationship categories

To qualify, you must show:

  • A series of acts of harassment, OR
  • A single act of harassment that is severe enough to justify court intervention

Examples of conduct that might warrant an IAH include:

  • Repeated unwanted contact
  • Threatening messages
  • Stalking behavior
  • Showing up at your home or workplace
  • Ongoing neighbor disputes involving intimidation or property interference

What an Injunction Against Harassment Can Do

An IAH can:

  • Prohibit contact
  • Restrict communication
  • Order the defendant to stay away from specific locations
  • Protect minors if the harassment is directed at them

Key Differences Between the Two Orders

1. Relationship Requirement

  • Order of Protection: Requires a qualifying domestic relationship.
  • IAH: No relationship requirement.

2. Type of Conduct

  • Order of Protection: Must involve domestic violence.
  • IAH: Must involve harassment, which may or may not be violent.

3. Number of Incidents

  • Order of Protection: A single act of domestic violence is enough.
  • IAH: Usually requires a pattern unless the act is severe.

4. Firearm Restrictions

  • Order of Protection: Judges can require firearm surrender.
  • IAH: Firearm restrictions are less frequent.

How to Decide Which One You Need

Choose an Order of Protection if:

  • You have a domestic relationship with the defendant
  • The conduct involves domestic violence
  • You need stronger restrictions, including firearm surrender

Choose an Injunction Against Harassment if:

  • The defendant is not a family member or romantic partner
  • The conduct involves repeated harassment or stalking
  • You need protection from a neighbor, coworker, landlord, or acquaintance

If you’re unsure, the best path is to speak with a legal paraprofessional who can help you make the best decision. 

When to Consult an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional

A legal paraprofessional (LP) can help you analyze your case and determine the best path forward. Jason Halper, the founder of JNH Legal Services, PLLC, is a dedicated LP with years of experience helping clients find cost-effective and efficient solutions. He is an accomplished paraprofessional and author, writing “Licensed to Lead: A Comprehensive Guide to Emerging as a Legal Paraprofessional.”

A legal paraprofessional can help you identify the correct type of filing and pursue it for you.   

Person in white shirt and black tie holding black notebook with "PROTECTIVE ORDER" text.

Let an Experienced Legal Paraprofessional Help with Protective Orders and Injunctions Against Harassment

Jason Halper has years of experience as a legal paraprofessional. He works in Pima County and beyond to ensure your rights are fully protected.  

Consult an experienced legal paraprofessional at JNH Legal Services, PLLC to learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

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