Lake Havasu Misdemeanor Lawyer

Quick Answer

If you are facing misdemeanor 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 Misdemeanor Lawyer — What You Need to Know

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.

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