What to Do If Someone Files an Injunction Against Harassment?

November 13, 2025 | Trevor R. Hill

Finding out that someone has filed an injunction against harassment with your name on it can be shocking. Maybe it came out of nowhere, or maybe you had a disagreement with someone that escalated further than you expected. Either way, once you are served with a court order, you need to know your rights, your options, and how to move forward.

Arizona takes protection orders very seriously. The law is designed to protect people who are genuinely being harassed, but it also gives you the right to challenge the order if it is unfair, exaggerated, or based on incomplete facts. A defense lawyer can use their skills, experience, and legal resources to strongly defend you against criminal charges.

What is an Arizona Harassment Injunction?

An injunction against harassment is a type of harassment prevention order that Arizona courts issue when someone claims they are being harassed. Under Arizona law, harassment means repeated conduct that seriously alarms or annoys a reasonable person and has no legitimate purpose. Examples include:

Repeated texts, calls, or electronic contact that are not wanted
Following someone to their workplace, school, or residence
Showing up at specifically designated locations where the person spends time
Threatening language or behavior, even without physical violence

The idea is that the injunction against a specific person should stop conduct that is unnecessary and harmful, but the courts also recognize that sometimes these petitions are filed in bad faith or without full context.

Injunctions vs. Orders of Protection

Many people confuse an injunction against harassment with an order of protection. While both are protective orders under Arizona law, there is an important distinction:

Order of protection – Requires a qualifying relationship, such as a spouse, former spouse, someone in the same household, or a person with whom you had a sexual relationship. It usually involves allegations of committing domestic violence.
Injunction against harassment – This does not require a domestic relationship. It is typically used when the alleged harassment involves neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, or other specifically designated persons like a parent-in-law, brother-in-law, or grandparent-in-law.

Knowing which order was issued is critical because it determines how the case will proceed and which court has jurisdiction.

What Happens Once You Are Served

Being a defendant served with an injunction is generally the first notice you receive. Here is what you can expect:

The order goes into effect immediately upon service.
You may be prohibited from contacting the person filing, either directly or indirectly.
You may not be allowed near their home, workplace, or other specifically designated locations.
If there are children involved, the order may extend to people protected who live in the same household.

It is essential to read the court order carefully. Violating even one part of it can result in criminal charges.

Why Did the Court Grant the Injunction?

When the petition was first filed, a judicial officer, such as a justice of the peace, city magistrate, or superior court judge reviewed it. The court looks for:

Reasonable evidence of alleged harassment
Whether the conduct seriously alarms a reasonable person
Whether it serves any legitimate purpose

In most cases, the judge grants the injunction without you being present. That means you were not there to defend yourself before the injunction sought was approved. Arizona law allows this because the court prioritizes immediate safety. But you do have a chance to fight back.

Your Right to a Hearing

The most important thing to know is that you can challenge the injunction. You have the right to file a written request for a hearing. Once you do:

The court will set a hearing date, usually within a few weeks.
Both you and the alleged victim will be present.
Each side can present testimony, witnesses, and evidence offered, such as texts, emails, or other pleadings.
The judge will then decide whether to let the injunction stand, modify it, or dismiss it entirely.

This is your opportunity to explain your side of the story and show the court why the harassment prevention order Arizona was unnecessary or unfair.

Common Defenses to an Injunction

An injunction against harassment is typically granted without you being present, which means the judge only heard one side of the story. Once you request a hearing, you finally have the chance to explain your perspective, and that is where strong defenses come into play.

No Harassment Occurred

One of the most straightforward defenses is simply that the harassment never happened. In some cases, the events were fabricated or exaggerated. In others, the facts are misrepresented, and what is described in the petition is far different from what actually took place. Demonstrating this difference can go a long way toward convincing the court that the order is unnecessary.

Legitimate Purpose for Contact

Arizona law recognizes that not all contact is harassment. If you were communicating for a legitimate purpose, such as arranging child exchanges under a custody order, discussing property division, or handling legal responsibilities, the conduct should not qualify as harassment. Context is critical, and providing it can shift how the judge views your actions.

Not Alarming to a Reasonable Person

The law requires that behavior must seriously alarm or annoy a reasonable person. This standard is important because not every unpleasant or unwanted interaction rises to the level of harassment. If the contact was mild, short-lived, or something most people would dismiss as insignificant, the court may find that it does not meet the legal threshold.

Lack of Evidence

Petitions must be backed by reasonable evidence. If the allegations are vague, unsupported, or inconsistent, the injunction can be challenged. Pointing out these gaps often weakens the case against you and helps the court see that the order was granted too hastily.

Mutual Behavior

In some situations, the contact was not one-sided. If both parties engaged in similar behavior, the fairness of an injunction comes into question. Courts may dismiss the case or even consider cross injunctions, depending on the facts.

Every case has its own twists and turns, which is why working with an experienced attorney is essential to building the strongest defense.

Special Situations

If You Share Children

If you and the person filing share children, the injunction can complicate matters. Arizona courts recognize this, and exceptions are sometimes included in the order for parenting time or exchanges. A superior court may modify the terms if necessary for the child’s best interests.

If You Are a Minor

If the defendant is less than twelve years old, the case may fall under juvenile court jurisdiction. Juvenile court staff procedures are different, and a legal guardian will usually be involved.

If There Is a Pending Case

If there is a prior or pending proceeding in another Arizona court, such as family court, the harassment injunction may be transferred so that everything is handled together.

What If You Violate the Order?

Violating an injunction is a criminal offense. If the court order says no contact, that means no texts, calls, in-person visits, or indirect contact through friends.

If a violation occurs, law enforcement can arrest you, and you may face new charges. Even if you believe the order was unfair, you must follow it until the court modifies or dismisses it.

How Long Does an Injunction Last?

An injunction typically lasts for one year from the date the judge grants it. However:

The person filing can ask to renew it.
You can ask to modify or dismiss it through a further hearing.
The court may dissolve it if it finds compelling reasons.

In rare cases, a court finds compelling reasons to extend protections beyond one year, particularly if great or irreparable harm is likely.

The Role of Peace Officers and Service

A peace officer or another authorized party is responsible for serving the injunction. Until the defendant is served, the order is not enforceable. Once service is complete, you must follow it strictly.

If you are unsure about the details of service, check with the law enforcement agency listed in your paperwork.

Why You Should Take This Seriously

Even though an injunction is technically civil, it can impact your life in major ways:

It may show up in background checks.
It can affect employment opportunities.
It may limit your ability to go certain places, especially if the plaintiff lists specifically designated locations.
It can create problems in family law cases, especially where a domestic relationship or legal custody is involved.

That is why you should never ignore an injunction or assume it will go away on its own.

Safety Plans and Practical Steps

While the order is active, you should take steps to avoid accidental violations. This can include:

Staying away from the plaintiff’s residence, workplace, and other specifically designated locations.
Blocking the person’s number and social media to prevent accidental contact.
Keeping a copy of the order with you in case law enforcement has questions.
Working with your attorney on a safety plan that ensures compliance.

How Our Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Will Defend You

When you are dealing with an injunction against harassment, it is not just about paperwork or showing up to court. It is about protecting your name, your rights, and your future. This is where having an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney makes all the difference.

At The Law Office of Trevor Hill, we approach every case with the same intensity we would bring to a high-stakes trial. Take a look at our services overview in Arizona to learn more about us.

Preparing Your Defense from Day One

From the moment you reach out, our team begins building a defense strategy tailored to your situation. That means:

Reviewing the injunction itself and all verified petitions to spot weak points or inconsistencies.
Collecting texts, emails, call records, or other evidence offered that shows the alleged harassment did not happen as described.
Identifying witnesses who can support your version of events and give the judge a clearer picture.

This early preparation can help shape the outcome of your case before the first hearing date is set.

Guiding You Through the Court Process

Filing a written request for a hearing is not as simple as filling in a box. It must be accurate, timely, and persuasive. Our office helps you accurately fill out all paperwork and ensures it is submitted properly with the court staff. When the case goes before a judicial officer, we are there by your side, making sure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

Presenting Your Case at the Hearing

At the hearing, evidence and credibility matter. We work to:

Show the court why the allegations do not meet the legal definition of harassment.
Argue that your actions had a legitimate purpose, such as sharing parenting responsibilities or resolving legal custody issues.
Highlight inconsistencies in the person filing the injunction’s account.
Make clear to the judge why the injunction should be modified, reduced in scope, or dismissed altogether.

Protecting You Beyond the Hearing

Our defense does not end once the judicial proceedings are over. We also:

Advise you on how to comply with any remaining restrictions to avoid accidental violations.
Help you take steps to minimize the impact of the injunction on your job, family, or reputation.
Stay ready to challenge extensions or renewals if the plaintiff tries to keep the injunction without justification.

With Trevor Hill, you have a dedicated criminal defense attorney who will fight tooth and nail to defend your rights and freedom.

Get High-Powered Legal Representation from Our Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney

The Law Office of Trevor Hill, led by seasoned Arizona criminal defense lawyer Trevor Hill, is prepared to defend clients who are facing the restraining order process Arizona courts oversee. Whether you are fighting false allegations, seeking modification, or trying to avoid the harsh consequences of protection orders under Arizona law, you do not have to do it alone.

If you have been served, our legal team will move fast to file your written request for a hearing and prepare strong evidence and arguments to defend you aggressively. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 520-231-2814 or contact us online.