Lake Havasu Domestic Violence Lawyer

Quick Answer

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Lake Havasu City, you need a defense lawyer who knows the local courts. Matthew Lopez Law has defended hundreds of cases in Mohave County. Call for a free consultation.

Free Case Review

Lake Havasu Domestic Violence Lawyer — What You Need to Know

If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Lake Havasu, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands these cases and knows how to fight them.

Matthew Lopez Law has been defending domestic violence cases in Arizona for over 16 years. We know how to challenge weak evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, 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.

Domestic Violence Charges in Arizona

Arizona law defines domestic violence as any crime committed against a person with whom you have a domestic relationship.

Domestic relationships include:

• Spouses or former spouses
• People who live together or used to live together
• People who have a child in common
• People who are related by blood or marriage
• People who are dating or used to date (including one-night stands)
• Pregnant women if you are the father

The crime itself can be:

• Assault
• Aggravated assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Criminal damage
• Threatening or intimidating
• Harassment
• Trespassing

If the crime is committed against someone in a domestic relationship, it becomes a domestic violence offense, which carries additional penalties.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions

The penalties for domestic violence depend on the underlying charge.

Assault (ARS 13-1203)

Assault is the most common domestic violence charge.

It is defined as:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person
• Intentionally placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury
• Knowingly touching someone with intent to injure, insult, or provoke

Assault is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines
• Domestic violence classes (26 weeks)
• Probation

Disorderly Conduct (ARS 13-2904)

Disorderly conduct is also a common domestic violence charge.

It is defined as:

• Engaging in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior
• Making unreasonable noise
• Using abusive or offensive language in a manner likely to provoke retaliation

Disorderly conduct is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries the same penalties as assault.

Aggravated Assault (ARS 13-1204)

If the assault caused serious physical injury or involved a weapon, the charge becomes aggravated assault, which is a felony.

Penalties range from:

• 1.5 to 7.5 years in prison (depending on the class of felony)
• Loss of gun rights
• Permanent felony record

Additional Consequences

A domestic violence conviction also comes with:

• Loss of gun rights (even for misdemeanors)
• Difficulty finding employment
• Difficulty renting an apartment
• Custody and visitation issues
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Protective Orders and Orders of Protection

When someone is arrested for domestic violence in Arizona, the court typically issues a protective order (also called an order of protection) that prohibits contact with the alleged victim.

This means:

• You cannot call, text, or message them
• You cannot go to their home or workplace
• You cannot be within a certain distance of them

Violating a protective order is a separate crime, which can result in additional jail time.

If you have a protective order against you, do not contact the alleged victim, even if they contact you first.

How Domestic Violence Arrests Happen

Most domestic violence arrests happen after:

Someone Calls the Police

The most common scenario is that the alleged victim (or a neighbor) calls 911 during an argument.

Police respond and interview both parties.

Mandatory Arrest Policies

Arizona has mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence.

If officers believe that domestic violence occurred, they must make an arrest, even if:

• No one was injured
• The alleged victim does not want to press charges
• It was mutual combat

Once officers decide to make an arrest, they cannot change their mind.

The Alleged Victim Cannot Drop the Charges

Many people believe that if the alleged victim does not want to press charges, the case will be dropped.

That is not true.

The decision to prosecute is made by the prosecutor, not the alleged victim.

Even if the alleged victim wants the charges dropped, the prosecutor can still move forward with the case.

Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

We defend domestic violence 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.

We gather evidence—photos, videos, witness statements—to show that you acted in self-defense.

False Allegations

False allegations are common in domestic violence cases, especially during:

• Child custody disputes
• Divorce proceedings
• Breakups

We investigate the alleged victim’s motives and challenge their credibility.

Lack of Evidence

Many domestic violence 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.

Mutual Combat

If both parties were fighting, we argue that you were not the aggressor.

Arizona law does not allow police to arrest both parties, so they make a judgment call about who the “primary aggressor” was.

We challenge that determination.

Can the Alleged Victim Refuse to Testify?

In Arizona, the alleged victim can be subpoenaed to testify, even if they do not want to.

However, if the alleged victim refuses to cooperate, it can make the prosecutor’s job much harder.

If the alleged victim:

• Does not show up to court
• Recants their story
• Refuses to testify

…the prosecutor may dismiss the case.

However, prosecutors can also move forward with:

• 911 recordings
• Police body camera footage
• Photos of injuries
• Statements the alleged victim made to police

So even if the alleged victim refuses to cooperate, the case can still proceed.

What About Diversion?

Arizona does not have a formal diversion program for domestic violence cases.

However, prosecutors sometimes offer deferred prosecution agreements, where you complete domestic violence classes and the charges are dismissed.

Not everyone is eligible, and these agreements are not common.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Domestic Violence

If you are arrested for domestic violence in Lake Havasu, the first thing you should do is remain silent.

Do not:

• Try to explain what happened
• Blame the alleged victim
• Minimize what happened

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

Domestic violence 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 Domestic Violence Case

Matthew Lopez Law has been defending domestic violence cases in Arizona for over 16 years.

We have handled thousands of domestic violence arrests, and we know how to get results.

We Understand That Arguments Happen

We know that not every argument is domestic violence.

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 a domestic violence arrest is already expensive—bail, lost wages, the stress of a protective order.

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

Domestic violence 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 domestic violence charges throughout Lake Havasu and Mohave County. Affordable payment plans available. Call 24/7.

Maricopa County Superior Court

• Address 201 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
• Hours Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5:00 PM
• Phone 602-506-3204

La Paz County Superior Court

• Address 1316 KoFA Ave., Suite 607, Parker, AZ 85344
• Hours Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5:00 PM
• Phone (928) 669-6131

Apache Junction Justice Court

• Address Roy Hudson Complex, 575 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
• Hours Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5:00 PM
• Phone 480-982-2921

Lake Havasu County Courthouse

• Address 1695 Mesquite Ave, UNIT 214 Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
• Hours Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Phone928-714-7032