Misdemeanor charges may seem minor compared to felonies, but a conviction still means a criminal record that can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or qualify for student loans.
If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor in Lake Havasu—whether it is assault, theft, disorderly conduct, or trespassing—you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to fight these charges and protect your record.
Matthew Lopez Law has been defending misdemeanor cases in Arizona for over 16 years. We know how to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. We offer affordable payment plans, and we can start your case with very little money down.
Misdemeanor Classifications in Arizona
In Arizona, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors.
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but they still carry jail time and a criminal record.
Arizona has three classes of misdemeanors:
- Class 1 misdemeanor: Most serious (up to 6 months in jail)
- Class 2 misdemeanor: Up to 4 months in jail
- Class 3 misdemeanor: Least serious (up to 30 days in jail)
Misdemeanor Charges We Defend in Lake Havasu
Assault (ARS 13-1203)
Assault is one of the most common misdemeanor charges.
You can be charged with assault if you:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause physical injury to another person
- Intentionally place someone in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury
- Knowingly touch someone with intent to injure, insult, or provoke
Assault is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries up to 6 months in jail.
Theft (ARS 13-1802)
Theft becomes a misdemeanor when the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000.
- Property worth less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor
- First-time shoplifting under $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor
Penalties include jail time, fines, and restitution (paying back what was stolen).
Disorderly Conduct (ARS 13-2904)
Disorderly conduct is one of the most common misdemeanor charges in Arizona.
It includes:
- Fighting or violent behavior
- Making unreasonable noise
- Using abusive or offensive language in a manner likely to provoke retaliation
- Creating a hazardous condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose
Disorderly conduct is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it can be reduced to a class 3 misdemeanor in some cases.
Trespassing (ARS 13-1502, 13-1503, 13-1504)
Trespassing involves entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission.
- First-degree trespassing (residential property): Class 6 felony
- Second-degree trespassing (non-residential property): Class 2 misdemeanor
- Third-degree trespassing (remaining after being asked to leave): Class 3 misdemeanor
Underage Drinking (MIC/MIP)
Arizona has strict laws against underage drinking.
- Minor in consumption (MIC): Drinking alcohol under 21 (class 1 misdemeanor)
- Minor in possession (MIP): Possessing alcohol under 21 (class 1 misdemeanor)
Penalties include fines, alcohol classes, community service, and a criminal record.
Criminal Damage (ARS 13-1602)
Criminal damage involves intentionally damaging someone else’s property.
If the damage is:
- Less than $250: Class 2 misdemeanor
- $250 to $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor
- More than $1,000: Felony
Reckless Driving (ARS 28-693)
Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor, which carries:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines
- License suspension
- Points on your driving record
Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions
The penalties for misdemeanor convictions depend on the class of misdemeanor.
Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Probation
- Community service
Class 2 Misdemeanor
- Up to 4 months in jail
- Fines up to $750
- Probation
- Community service
Class 3 Misdemeanor
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- Probation
- Community service
Additional Consequences
A misdemeanor conviction also means:
- Criminal record
- Difficulty finding employment
- Difficulty renting an apartment
- Loss of professional licenses (in some cases)
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Defenses to Misdemeanor Charges
We defend misdemeanor cases by challenging every part of the prosecution’s case.
Lack of Evidence
Prosecutors have the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
If they do not have enough evidence, we argue for dismissal.
Self-Defense
In assault cases, we argue self-defense when you were protecting yourself from imminent harm.
Lack of Intent
Many misdemeanors require that you intentionally or knowingly committed the crime.
If you did not have criminal intent, we argue that the elements of the crime 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.
Can I Get Diversion or Deferred Prosecution?
Some misdemeanor charges are eligible for diversion or deferred prosecution programs.
These programs allow first-time offenders to avoid a conviction by completing:
- Community service
- Alcohol or drug classes
- Anger management classes
If you successfully complete the program, the charges are dismissed, and you do not have a criminal record.
Not everyone is eligible. We can help you determine if you qualify.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for a Misdemeanor
If you are arrested for a misdemeanor in Lake Havasu, the first thing you should do is remain silent.
Do not:
- Try to explain what happened
- Blame someone else
- Minimize what happened
Officers are gathering evidence against you. Anything you say will be used in court.
Hire a Lawyer
Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, you still need a lawyer.
A conviction means a criminal record, and that can affect your life for years.
Why Choose Matthew Lopez Law for Your Misdemeanor Case
Matthew Lopez Law has been defending misdemeanor cases in Arizona for over 16 years.
We have handled thousands of misdemeanor arrests, and we know how to get charges reduced or dismissed.
We Understand That Mistakes Happen
We know that most people arrested for misdemeanors are not career criminals.
You made a mistake, or you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
We fight to get charges reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life without a criminal record.
We Offer Affordable Payment Plans
We know that a misdemeanor arrest is already expensive—bail, lost wages, impound fees.
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
Misdemeanor 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 misdemeanor charges throughout Lake Havasu and Mohave County. Affordable payment plans available. Call 24/7.