Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
If you have been arrested for assault in Lake Havasu, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to fight these charges.
Matthew Lopez Law has been defending assault cases in Arizona for over 16 years. We know how to challenge weak evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and protect your rights.
Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. We offer affordable payment plans, and we can start your case with very little money down.
Assault Charges in Arizona
Arizona law defines assault in three ways:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person
- Intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury
- Knowingly touching another person with intent to injure, insult, or provoke
Assault does not require that someone was actually injured.
If you threatened someone or touched them in a way that was intended to provoke them, that is enough for an assault charge.
Assault vs. Aggravated Assault
Simple Assault (ARS 13-1203)
Simple assault is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Probation
- Community service
Aggravated Assault (ARS 13-1204)
Aggravated assault is a felony version of assault.
You can be charged with aggravated assault if:
- You caused serious physical injury
- You used a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- You assaulted a police officer, firefighter, teacher, healthcare worker, or other protected person
- You assaulted someone while they were restrained
- You entered someone’s home to commit assault
Aggravated assault is usually a class 3 felony, but it can be a class 2 felony if serious physical injury was caused.
Penalties include:
- 2 to 8.75 years in prison (first offense)
- Higher penalties for repeat offenders or dangerous offenses
- Loss of gun rights
- Permanent felony record
Assault on a Police Officer
Assaulting a police officer automatically elevates the charge to aggravated assault, even if no injury occurred.
Prosecutors take these cases seriously, and they are less likely to offer plea deals.
Domestic Violence Assault
If the assault was committed against someone in a domestic relationship (spouse, ex-spouse, dating partner, roommate, family member), the charge becomes a domestic violence offense.
This means:
- Loss of gun rights (even for misdemeanors)
- Protective orders prohibiting contact
- Mandatory domestic violence classes (26 weeks)
- Custody and visitation issues
How Assault Arrests Happen
Most assault arrests happen after:
Someone Calls the Police
Someone calls 911 and reports that they were assaulted or threatened.
Police respond and interview both parties.
Bar Fights and Altercations
Assault arrests commonly happen after bar fights or altercations in public places.
If police are called, someone is going to jail.
Domestic Arguments
Many assault arrests happen after arguments between spouses, dating partners, or roommates.
Arizona has mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence, which means if officers believe domestic violence occurred, they must make an arrest.
Defenses to Assault Charges
We defend assault cases by challenging every part of the prosecution’s case.
Self-Defense
If you were protecting yourself from imminent harm, you have the right to use reasonable force.
Arizona is a “stand your ground” state, which means you do not have a duty to retreat if you are in a place you have a legal right to be.
We gather evidence—photos, videos, witness statements—to show that you acted in self-defense.
Defense of Others
If you were protecting someone else from imminent harm, you have the right to use reasonable force.
Lack of Evidence
Many assault cases have no physical evidence—no injuries, no witnesses, no video.
They rely entirely on the alleged victim’s testimony.
We challenge that testimony by pointing out inconsistencies and lack of corroboration.
False Allegations
False allegations are common in assault cases, especially during:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody disputes
- Breakups
We investigate the alleged victim’s motives and challenge their credibility.
Lack of Intent
Assault requires that you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused injury or placed someone in fear.
If it was an accident or if there was no intent to injure or provoke, we argue that the elements of assault are not met.
Constitutional Violations
If police violated your rights—by conducting an illegal search, stopping you without reasonable suspicion, or arresting you without probable cause—we fight to get the charges dismissed.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Assault
If you are arrested for assault in Lake Havasu, the first thing you should do is remain silent.
Do not:
- Try to explain what happened
- Blame the alleged victim
- Admit that you hit or touched someone
Officers are gathering evidence against you. Anything you say will be used in court.
Do Not Contact the Alleged Victim
If a protective order has been issued, do not contact the alleged victim, even if they contact you first.
Violating a protective order is a separate crime, and it can result in additional jail time.
Hire a Lawyer Immediately
Assault cases move quickly.
The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more options we have to fight your case.
We can often negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed before your case goes to trial.
Why Choose Matthew Lopez Law for Your Assault Case
Matthew Lopez Law has been defending assault cases in Arizona for over 16 years.
We have handled thousands of assault arrests, and we know how to get results.
We Understand That Arguments Happen
We know that not every argument is assault.
We know that sometimes both people are at fault, and we know that sometimes allegations are false.
We fight to protect your rights and your future.
We Offer Affordable Payment Plans
We know that an assault arrest is already expensive—bail, lost wages, the stress of a criminal case.
We do not want cost to be the reason you do not get the defense you deserve.
We offer affordable payment plans, and we can start your case with very little money down.
We Are Available 24/7
Assault arrests do not just happen during business hours.
If you were arrested in Lake Havasu this weekend, call us now. We will review your case, answer your questions, and start building your defense immediately.
Call Matthew Lopez Law for a free consultation. We defend assault charges throughout Lake Havasu and Mohave County. Affordable payment plans available. Call 24/7.