Get expert legal guidance—schedule your free consultation today!
Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads in a storm. One path offers a sturdy umbrella for immediate shelter, while the other builds a fence to keep trouble at bay for the long haul. In Arizona, these two paths are called Emergency Orders of Protection (EOPs) and Injunctions Against Harassment (IAHs). Both are designed to keep you safe, but they serve different purposes and follow different rules. Knowing which to choose—and how to use them—can make all the difference when you need protection most.
An Emergency Order of Protection is like a lifeline thrown to you in the middle of the night. It’s a court order that can be issued when the courts are closed—after hours, on weekends, or during holidays—if you are in immediate danger from someone close to you. The law recognizes that some threats can’t wait until morning.
EOPs are designed for urgent situations involving domestic violence or threats from someone with whom you have a close relationship. This includes current or former spouses, people you live with or used to, relatives, parents of a shared child, or someone you’re dating or have dated. The key is that the relationship is personal and close.
The process starts with a call to law enforcement. If the police believe you are at risk, they can contact an on-call judge, who may issue an EOP right away. The order is temporary—usually lasting seven days or until the next court session—and can require the abuser to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, or your children’s school. It can also order them to surrender firearms or leave a shared residence.
An Injunction Against Harassment is more like building a fence around your property. It’s a court order designed to protect you from ongoing harassment, stalking, or threats from someone who isn’t a close family member or romantic partner. This could be a neighbor, coworker, acquaintance, or even a stranger.
To get an IAH, you must show that the other person has committed a series of acts—usually at least two—that seriously alarm, annoy, or harass you, and that these acts serve no legitimate purpose. The court looks for a pattern of behavior, not just a single incident.
Unlike EOPs, IAHs are not for emergencies. You apply for one during regular court hours, and the process may involve a hearing where both sides can present evidence. If granted, an IAH can last up to one year and can be renewed if the harassment continues.
The most important difference between EOPs and IAHs is the relationship between you and the person you need protection from. EOPs are for family members, romantic partners, or people you live with. IAHs are for everyone else.
EOPs are for emergencies—when you need protection right now and can’t wait for the courts to open. They are short-term, giving you time to seek a longer-lasting order of protection once the courts are open.
IAHs are for ongoing harassment that may not be immediately dangerous but is persistent and distressing. They are longer-term solutions, designed to stop a pattern of unwanted behavior.
Let’s look at how these orders work in real life.
Case 1: Emergency Order of Protection
Sarah, a Mesa mother, was threatened by her ex-husband late on a Saturday night. He showed up at her apartment, shouting and banging on the door. Fearing for her safety and her children’s, Sarah called 911. The police arrived, assessed the situation, and contacted an on-call judge. Within an hour, the judge issued an EOP, and the officer served it to Sarah’s ex-husband, who was still outside. The order required him to stay 500 feet away from Sarah and her children. On Monday, Sarah went to court and filed for a standard order of protection, which the judge granted for one year.
Case 2: Injunction Against Harassment
David, a Mesa business owner, began receiving threatening emails and social media messages from a former employee. The messages continued for weeks, escalating in tone and frequency. David kept records of every message and filed a petition for an IAH at the local court. At the hearing, David presented his evidence, and the judge granted a one-year injunction, ordering the former employee to stop all contact and stay away from David’s business.
These cases show how EOPs and IAHs serve different needs: one for immediate family threats, the other for ongoing harassment from non-family members.
If you’re in immediate danger from a family member or partner, call 911. The police can help you request an EOP, which takes effect as soon as it’s served. Remember, an EOP is temporary. You must follow up with the court to get a standard order of protection for longer-term safety.
If you’re being harassed by someone who isn’t a family member or partner, gather evidence of the harassment—emails, texts, voicemails, witness statements. File a petition for an IAH at your local court. Be prepared to explain the pattern of behavior and how it has affected you. The judge may hold a hearing before granting the order.
Both EOPs and IAHs are free to file in Arizona. The law is designed to make protection accessible to everyone who needs it.
Both EOPs and IAHs are court orders, and violating them is a crime. If the person you’re protecting from contacts you, comes near you, or otherwise breaks the order, call 911 immediately. The police can arrest the violator, and the court can impose penalties, including jail time.
It’s important to keep a copy of your order with you at all times and to let trusted people—family, friends, your workplace—know about it. The more people who are aware, the safer you’ll be.
One common mistake is applying for the wrong type of order. If you file for an IAH against a spouse or ex-partner, the court will dismiss it and tell you to seek an EOP or standard order of protection. If you wait too long to follow up after an EOP, you could lose your protection when the order expires.
Another mistake is not gathering enough evidence for an IAH. The court needs to see a pattern of harassment, not just one or two incidents. Keep detailed records and save all communications.
Finally, some people assume that once an order is granted, they don’t need to do anything else. In reality, you must stay vigilant, report violations, and renew the order if the threat continues.
Choosing between an Emergency Order of Protection and an Injunction Against Harassment is about understanding your relationship to the threat and the urgency of your situation. EOPs are for immediate, family-related danger; IAHs are for ongoing harassment from others. Both are powerful tools, but they work best when used correctly and followed up with action.
At Moon Law Firm, we help clients navigate these choices with compassion and expertise. If you need protection, don’t wait. Contact us today for guidance and support every step of the way.
Sources:
Arizona Revised Statutes §§13-3602, 12-1809; Mesa Municipal Court; Maricopa County Superior Court (2024); Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Guiding Families. Protecting Futures. Advocating for You.
