Pima County Superior Court, Justice Court, and Tucson City Court Announce a New Protective Order Process During the COVID-19 Emergency
For Immediate Release
3/27/20 Krisanne LoGalbo
Public Information Officer
communityrelations@sc.pima.gov
PIMA COUNTY, AZ. – Victims of abuse, stalking, or harassment can now complete most protection order requests by phone, in the privacy of their home or a safe space, through a new procedure launched today by Pima County Superior Court, Pima County Justice Court, and Tucson City Court.
To take advantage of this service, applicants must start their protection order process online using AZPOINT (Arizona Protective Order Initiation & Notification Tool). All they need is an email address. AZPOINT is an easy-to-use website accessible from any computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
After the person completes their application in AZPOINT, they will receive a unique reference number. They can then call the office of the Clerk of Court for any of the three main downtown courts (Superior Court 520-724-3221, Justice Court 520-724-3942, or Tucson City Court 520-791-4971) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m. and provide that reference number.
The Clerk will make sure the applicant meets the requirements for a hearing, then arrange a time for a judge to call them back. If the petition is granted during the telephonic, on-the-record hearing, the Court will send the Order of Protection out for service the same day. (Requests for up to a 72-hour delay of service can be accommodated.)
More Information:
- Both the application and service of a domestic violence Order of Protection are free of charge to the filing party.
- The domestic violence Order of Protection will be served by local law enforcement. Although the initial process of an Injunction Against Harassment can be telephonic, applicants must visit the courthouse to pay their fee (or apply for a fee waiver or deferral) and pick up the injunction paperwork. The plaintiff must also arrange service.
- For protection requests after business hours or on weekends, individuals should contact their local law enforcement agency.
For the safety and health of the community and court staff, the courts hope to process most protection order requests telephonically. However, the courts will continue to accommodate healthy individuals who visit in person for protection requests.
For more information about AZPOINT or filing an order of protection, individuals should visit AZPOINT online or call one of the three Clerk of Court office numbers, bolded, above. For those who would like to talk with a victim advocate, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is at 800-799-7233 and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence is at 800-782-6400.
This post is intended to highlight just certain portions of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure. It is not intended to substitute for professional legal advice on your specific case. McCarthy Family Law is a family law firm; however please check with your personal family law attorney for advice specific to your case. Or you can contact our office to speak to one of our family law attorneys to discuss how these rules may impact your specific case.
Message from McCarthy Family Law
While the courts are closed to most in person hearings, if you are a victim of abuse, stalking, or harassment, you can request an order of protection online and appear for the hearing telephonically. In order to start the process, visit AZPOINT online.
You are not required to have an attorney in order to request an order of protection, but McCarthy Family Law is here to support you if you want representation and an advocate. We are offering no charge initial phone consultations for those on the front lines, including medical professionals, first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel. Please call us at 520-623-0341 to explore your options.