Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Tucson, AZ
Turn to a Team Built for High Stakes
- Certified specialist in Criminal Defense and DUI Defense
- Science-driven challenges to breath/blood testing
- Former prosecutor insight & 200+ jury trials across the team
Why Aggravated DUI Charges Are Different in Tucson
A standard DUI in Arizona is usually a misdemeanor, but certain factors can elevate the case to an aggravated DUI. This is a felony that carries prison time, long license consequences, and career fallout.
Aggravated DUI cases aren’t won by accepting the police report at face value. Our lawyers find success in even the most challenging cases through rigorous investigation, scientific literacy, and courtroom skill that makes complex evidence make sense to a Tucson jury.
Your criminal defense lawyer in Tucson, AZ, defends drivers from aggravated DUI charges throughout Arizona with one goal: protect your freedom and your future.
Why St. Louis Huffman Law for Aggravated DUI Defense in Tucson?
Certified and recognized defense expertise. Joseph P. St. Louis is certified in criminal defense (State Bar of Arizona) and DUI defense (National College for DUI Defense). He teaches lawyers nationwide on how to expose laboratory errors and explain forensic science to juries.
A trial-tested team. Our attorneys have over 200 jury trials across misdemeanor and felony courts. Ryan Huffman earned three straight DUI acquittals in eight weeks (including a reported .213 BAC).
The insight of a former prosecutor. Liz Farkas led the Vehicular Crimes Unit at the Pima County Attorney’s Office. She knows how these cases are built and how to dismantle them. Her experience gives clients a powerful advantage when facing complex criminal charges.
You’ll always meet with a lawyer. You’ll get face time with the attorney who will handle your case from your free consultation onward.
Flat fees & transparent costs. Many aggravated DUI defenses are handled for a flat fee. We collect trust funds for experts and testing, then bill against it for out-of-pocket expenses, so you understand where every dollar goes.
You Can Afford the Best Representation:
Hear From Our Clients
“If you are going to need a defense attorney, this is the place to go! We worked with Ryan, who is so very down to earth, explains everything during the process, and worked so hard with the team to solidify our defense strategy. Absolutely recommended.”
— Samandrea, 5-Star Review
What Counts as an Aggravated DUI in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, a DUI becomes a felony if certain aggravating factors are present. Our Tucson team handles scenarios like these:
- Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled (felony aggravated DUI)
- A third DUI in 84 months (seven years)
- A DUI with a passenger under 15 (often charged as a Class 6 felony)
- Committing a DUI (or refusing a test) while under an ignition interlock requirement
A stop that may be a misdemeanor for another driver could be a felony aggravated DUI for you because of your license status, prior DUIs, the age of a passenger, or IID requirements. Let a proven legal team put forth a strong case on your behalf.
Potential Penalties & Consequences
The penalties in your case will largely be determined by whether the charge is a Class 4 or Class 6 felony:
Class 4 felony aggravated DUI carries a mandatory prison term (commonly at least four months for a first aggravated DUI). It also comes with fines, lengthy license revocation, and a long-term ignition-interlock requirement.
Class 6 felony aggravated DUI (frequently the “child under 15” scenario) has lower felony ranges than Class 4, but it’s still a felony with severe licensing and employment impacts.
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) actions run on a separate track from the criminal case. Your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked even before your court case resolves, and deadlines to demand a hearing are short.
Felony convictions can also affect professional licensing, background checks, insurance, and your ability to travel. These are consequences we factor into every strategy discussion.
Our Tucson Aggravated DUI Defense Playbook
Aggravated DUI vs.
DUI Aggravated Assault:
Not the Same Thing
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People often confuse aggravated DUI with aggravated assault related to a DUI crash (when there’s serious injury or a “dangerous instrument,” which can include a vehicle). The latter can carry far higher dangerous-felony ranges if proven. If your case involves an injury crash, you need counsel who can defend both the DUI science and any felony assault allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Aggravated DUI Lawyers in Tucson, AZ
Is a first aggravated DUI really a felony?
Yes. Aggravated DUI is a felony offense under Arizona law, even for a first-time DUI, when aggravating factors are present.
If my DUI was in a personal vehicle, can it still be considered “aggravated?"
Yes. Aggravation depends on factors like your license status, prior DUIs, under-15 passengers, or IID requirements, not whether you were in a commercial vehicle.
I refused testing. How will it affect my case?
Refusing a blood or breath test can trigger steep administrative penalties and IID requirements even if your criminal case is defensible. We’ll evaluate whether you were properly advised and whether a “refusal” truly occurred.
Are Class 6 aggravated DUIs “less serious”?
Class 6 felonies carry less severe punishments than Class 4 felonies, but they are still felonies with long-term consequences. Our Tucson team can target resolutions that minimize or avoid felony exposure where the facts allow.
Our Defense Lawyers Are Prepared to Review Your Case for Free.
Our Testimonials
“We hired Mr. Huffman from St. Louis Huffman Law due to a poor decision made by a family member. There has been a very reasonable resolution to the case within a fairly short timeframe that allows my family member a chance at a bright future, unencumbered by lasting issues. We highly recommend St. Louis Huffman Law.”
— Anthony, 5-Star Review
