Lake Havasu Sex Crimes Lawyer

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If you are facing sex 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 Sex Crimes Lawyer — What You Need to Know

Sex crime charges are some of the most serious criminal charges in Arizona. A conviction can result in prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and a lifetime of restrictions on where you can live and work.

If you have been arrested for sexual assault, solicitation of prostitution, indecent exposure, or any other sex crime 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 sex crime cases in Arizona for over 16 years. We know how to challenge weak evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for your rights.

Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. We offer affordable payment plans.

Sex Crimes We Defend in Lake Havasu

We handle all types of sex crime cases in Lake Havasu and Mohave County, including:

Sexual Assault (ARS 13-1406)

Sexual assault is defined as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with another person without their consent.

Sexual assault is a class 2 felony, which carries:

• 5.25 to 14 years in prison (first offense)
• Lifetime sex offender registration
• No eligibility for probation

Sexual Conduct with a Minor (ARS 13-1405)

Sexual conduct with a minor is one of the most serious sex crimes in Arizona.

It is a crime to engage in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with someone under 18.

The penalties depend on the age of the minor:

• Minor is 15, 16, or 17: Class 6 felony (presumptive prison term of 1.5 years)
• Minor is 12, 13, or 14: Class 2 felony (dangerous crimes against children sentencing—13 to 27 years in prison)
• Minor is under 12: Class 2 felony (presumptive sentence of 20 years in prison, up to life)

Child Molestation (ARS 13-1410)

Child molestation involves intentional or knowing sexual contact with a child under 15.

This includes:

• Fondling
• Touching intimate parts
• Any sexual contact that does not involve intercourse

Child molestation is a class 2 felony under dangerous crimes against children sentencing, which means mandatory prison time ranging from 10 years to life.

Solicitation of Prostitution (ARS 13-3214)

Arizona law makes it a crime to solicit or agree to engage in an act of prostitution.

First offense solicitation is a class 3 misdemeanor, but penalties increase for repeat offenses:

• Second offense: Class 1 misdemeanor
• Third offense: Class 5 felony

If the person solicited was a minor (or if you believed they were a minor), the charge becomes a class 2 felony with mandatory prison time.

Indecent Exposure (ARS 13-1402)

Indecent exposure involves exposing your genitals or anus in the presence of another person with recklessness about whether the other person would be offended or alarmed.

Indecent exposure is a class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, but becomes a class 6 felony for repeat offenses or if the victim was under 15.

Child Pornography (ARS 13-3553)

Arizona law makes it illegal to possess, distribute, or produce child pornography.

Possession of child pornography is a class 2 felony with mandatory prison time.

Distribution or production of child pornography carries even harsher penalties.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Arizona

Sex crime convictions come with severe penalties, including:

Prison Time

Most sex crimes are felonies, and many carry mandatory prison sentences.

Even first-time offenders are facing years in prison.

Sex Offender Registration

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Sex offender registration means:

• You have to register with local law enforcement every time you move
• Your name, photo, and address are posted on a public database
• You are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility
• You are prohibited from being in public parks, playgrounds, or anywhere children congregate
• You have to notify neighbors and employers of your status

Loss of Rights

A felony sex crime conviction means:

• Loss of voting rights
• Loss of gun rights
• Difficulty finding employment
• Difficulty finding housing

Lifetime Supervision

Some sex crimes require lifetime probation or community supervision, even after you complete your prison sentence.

How Sex Crime Investigations Happen

Sex crime investigations are different from other criminal investigations.

They often begin with:

Allegations from the Alleged Victim

Someone reports to police that they were sexually assaulted or that sexual contact occurred.

Police interview the alleged victim, and they often do not interview the accused until much later—or at all.

Forensic Interviews

If the alleged victim is a minor, law enforcement may conduct a forensic interview at a child advocacy center.

These interviews are recorded and can be used as evidence in court.

Confrontation Calls

Police may ask the alleged victim to call you while they record the conversation.

They are hoping you will make incriminating statements.

If the police ask you to speak with them about an allegation, do not agree to it without a lawyer present.

Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

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

False Allegations

False allegations are more common in sex crime cases than in any other type of criminal case.

Motives for false allegations include:

• Child custody disputes
• Revenge after a breakup
• Pressure from family members
• Misunderstanding or miscommunication

We investigate the alleged victim’s credibility, look for inconsistencies in their story, and bring evidence that supports your innocence.

Consent

In sexual assault cases involving adults, consent is often the central issue.

If the alleged victim consented to sexual contact, there is no crime.

We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and bring witnesses and text messages that show consent was given.

Lack of Evidence

Many sex crime cases have no physical evidence.

They rely entirely on the alleged victim’s testimony.

We challenge the credibility of that testimony by pointing out:

• Inconsistencies in their story
• Lack of physical evidence
• Lack of witnesses
• Delay in reporting

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police searched your phone, computer, or home without a valid warrant, any evidence they found can be suppressed.

We challenge illegal searches in every case.

What to Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime

If you are accused of a sex crime, the first thing you should do is remain silent.

Do not:

• Speak to police without a lawyer
• Try to contact the alleged victim
• Try to explain what happened
• Agree to a “confrontation call”

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

Hire a Lawyer Immediately

Sex crime cases move quickly.

Police may be building a case against you right now, even if you have not been arrested yet.

The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more options we have to fight the charges.

Why Choose Matthew Lopez Law for Your Sex Crime Case

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

We know how to challenge false allegations, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for your rights.

We Understand the Stakes

A sex crime conviction can destroy your life.

We fight these cases aggressively because we know what is on the line.

We Offer Affordable Payment Plans

We know that sex crime investigations are expensive—bail, lost wages, the stress of not knowing what is going to happen.

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

If you have been arrested or if you are under investigation, 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 sex crime 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