Posted on May 29, 2025 in Domestic Violence

What Is a DANCO Order?

If you’re a defendant facing domestic violence charges, you might suddenly be served with something called a DANCO order, which is short for Domestic Abuse No Contact Order. Many people are caught off guard by how strict this kind of order can be.

A DANCO can affect your ability to go home, see your children, or communicate with certain people while your case is active. Understanding how it works and why a court might put one in place is essential for avoiding mistakes that could make things much worse.

Purpose of a DANCO Order

A DANCO order is issued by the court to stop any kind of communication or physical contact between the accused and the alleged victim while criminal charges are pending.

DANCO orders can:

• Provide protection for victims: The primary role of the DANCO order is to protect the person who reported domestic violence or abuse. While this order isn’t about proving anyone guilty, it requires you to stay away from and avoid any kind of messages, calls, or social media contact with the protected person.
• Prevent escalation: Judges use these orders to lower the chances of more arguments, violence, or harassment while a case is open. If anyone breaks a DANCO, there can be additional criminal charges, which is why following every single aspect of the order is so important.

• Enforce no contact: A DANCO order isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a legally binding command from the court. No texting, emailing, or even apologies left on voicemails – no form of direct or indirect communication is allowed. Violating it, even if the victim wants you to reach out, can result in being arrested again and facing separate charges.

For defendants, understanding what a DANCO order really means is the first step to protecting your rights and staying out of further trouble while your case is pending.

Penalties for Violating a Restraining Order in Arizona

Violating a restraining order in Arizona comes with serious consequences that can follow you for years. The legal penalties depend on the nature of the violation and your prior record. They are generally as follows:

• Misdemeanor offenses: Most first-time violations are charged as interfering with judicial proceedings, a class 1 misdemeanor. This can mean up to six months behind bars, probation, and fines as high as $2,500.
• Aggravated circumstances: When the violation involves violence, harassment, or threats, the situation becomes serious. Felony charges aren’t uncommon in cases with aggravating factors, and usually bring tougher penalties and longer jail terms if convicted.
• Repeat or chronic violations: People who violate restraining orders more than once often see consequences increase quickly. Courts may hand down stricter jail sentences and add more restrictions to future orders.
• Lasting collateral consequences: A conviction won’t just mean criminal penalties. Having a restraining order violation on your record can hurt your reputation, impact your ability to get certain jobs or professional licenses, and damage relationships with friends or family.

Violating a restraining order in Arizona is treated seriously and can bring severe consequences.

Defending Against Accusations of Violating a DANCO Order

If you’ve been accused of violating a DANCO order, there are several defenses you and your attorney might consider to challenge the charge:

• Lack of intent: You may be able to show that any contact with the protected person was unintentional or purely accidental, such as running into them in public without planning.
• No knowledge of the order: It’s a valid defense to argue that you were not properly notified that the DANCO was issued or that it was served incorrectly.
• False or exaggerated claims: Sometimes protected persons make mistaken or exaggerated reports about what happened, and records or witnesses might reveal the real story, showing that you didn’t violate the order.

If you’re accused of violating an order, the best thing you can do is speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. For questions, contact a criminal defense lawyer today.

Contact the Domestic Violence Lawyers at Orent Law Offices, PLC In Phoenix To Get Legal Assistance Today

For more information, contact the domestic violence attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.