Lake Havasu Drug Crimes Lawyer

Quick Answer

If you are facing drug crimes 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.

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Lake Havasu Drug Crimes Lawyer — What You Need to Know

Even a small amount of marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or prescription drugs without a prescription can result in felony charges and prison time.

If you were arrested for drug possession, drug trafficking, or drug paraphernalia in Lake Havasu, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to challenge illegal searches, question the chain of custody for evidence, and fight for reduced charges or diversion programs.

Matthew Lopez Law has been defending drug 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.

Arizona Drug Laws

Arizona classifies drugs into different categories, and the penalties depend on the type of drug and the amount you were allegedly possessing.

Dangerous Drugs (ARS 13-3407)

Dangerous drugs include:

• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• LSD
• Prescription drugs without a valid prescription (Adderall, Xanax, Oxycodone, etc.)

Possession of any amount of a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony.

Narcotic Drugs (ARS 13-3408)

Narcotic drugs include:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
• Codeine

Possession of any amount of a narcotic drug is a class 4 felony.

Marijuana (ARS 13-3405)

As of 2021, adults 21 and over can legally possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana in Arizona (thanks to Prop 207).

However, you can still be charged with a crime if:

• You possess more than 1 ounce
• You are under 21
• You are caught with marijuana on federal land (like national parks)
• You are caught trafficking marijuana

Possession of more than 2 pounds of marijuana is considered possession for sale, which is a felony.

Drug Paraphernalia (ARS 13-3415)

Drug paraphernalia includes:

• Pipes
• Bongs
• Syringes
• Scales
• Baggies

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a class 6 felony.

Penalties for Drug Charges in Arizona

Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Class 4 Felony)

• First offense: Probation eligible, or 1 to 3.75 years in prison
• Second offense: 2.25 to 7.5 years in prison
• Fines and fees: Several thousand dollars

Possession of Narcotic Drugs (Class 4 Felony)

• First offense: Probation eligible, or 1 to 3.75 years in prison
• Second offense: 2.25 to 7.5 years in prison

Possession for Sale (Class 2 Felony)

If prosecutors believe you intended to sell drugs, the charge becomes a class 2 felony, which carries:

• 3 to 12.5 years in prison
• Higher fines
• No probation eligibility in many cases

Trafficking (Class 2 Felony)

Drug trafficking charges involve large amounts of drugs or evidence of distribution networks.

Penalties include:

• 5 to 15 years in prison
• Mandatory minimum sentences in some cases
• Federal charges if the drugs crossed state lines

How Drug Arrests Happen in Lake Havasu

Most drug arrests in Lake Havasu happen during:

Traffic Stops

Officers pull you over for a traffic violation, then claim they smell marijuana or see drug paraphernalia in plain view.

They ask to search your car. You do not have to consent to a search.

If you refuse, they may bring a drug-sniffing dog or claim they have probable cause to search anyway.

Home Searches

Officers obtain a search warrant based on tips, surveillance, or controlled buys.

If officers show up at your home with a search warrant, you do not have to answer questions. Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately.

Probation or Parole Searches

If you are on probation or parole, officers can search you without a warrant.

Spring Break and Summer Patrols

During spring break and summer weekends, Mohave County law enforcement is on high alert.

They are looking for drug possession, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.

Defenses to Drug Charges

We defend drug cases by challenging every part of the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects you from illegal searches.

If officers:

• Searched your car without probable cause
• Searched your home without a valid warrant
• Extended a traffic stop to conduct a drug investigation without reasonable suspicion

…then the evidence can be suppressed, and the charges can be dismissed.

Lack of Possession

Prosecutors have to prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs.

If the drugs were found:

• In a shared space (like a car with multiple people)
• In someone else’s bag or jacket
• In a location you did not have control over

…then we argue that you did not possess the drugs.

Chain of Custody Issues

Drug evidence has to be properly collected, stored, and tested.

If there are gaps in the chain of custody—if the evidence was mishandled, mislabeled, or contaminated—we use those problems to challenge the case.

Lab Errors

Crime labs make mistakes.

We challenge:

• Whether the substance was actually tested
• Whether the test was performed correctly
• Whether the lab is certified and the technician is qualified

Entrapment

If law enforcement pressured you to buy or sell drugs, or if an undercover officer convinced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, that may be entrapment.

What Is TASC (Diversion)?

Arizona offers a diversion program called TASC (Treatment Assessment Screening Center) for first-time drug offenders.

If you are accepted into TASC, you can avoid a conviction by completing:

• Drug counseling
• Random drug tests
• Community service

If you successfully complete the program, the charges are dismissed, and you do not have a criminal record.

Not everyone is eligible for TASC. We can help you determine if you qualify and fight to get you into the program.

Threshold Amounts and Mandatory Prison

Arizona has “threshold amounts” for certain drugs. If you are caught with more than the threshold amount, prosecutors assume you intended to sell, and you face mandatory prison time.

Threshold Amounts:

• Methamphetamine: 9 grams or more
• Heroin: 1 gram or more
• Cocaine: 9 grams or more
• Fentanyl: 4 grams or more

If you are charged with possession over the threshold amount, you are facing a class 2 felony with mandatory prison time.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Drug Charges

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

Do not answer questions about:

• Where you got the drugs
• Who the drugs belong to
• Whether you use drugs

Officers are gathering evidence against you. Anything you say will be used in court.

After You Are Released

Call us as soon as possible.

The sooner we get involved, the more options we have. We can often negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced, get you into diversion, or challenge the evidence.

Do not wait. Drug cases move quickly, and there are deadlines for filing motions to suppress evidence.

Why Choose Matthew Lopez Law for Your Drug Case

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

We have handled hundreds of drug arrests, including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing cases.

We Know How to Challenge Illegal Searches

Most drug cases are won or lost on Fourth Amendment issues.

We know how to challenge illegal searches and get evidence suppressed.

We Offer Affordable Payment Plans

We know that a drug arrest is already expensive—bail, impound fees, lost wages.

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

Drug 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 drug 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