DUI Aggravated Assault Charge Defense in Tucson, AZ
Skilled Defense When Your Freedom Is on the Line
- Free, confidential consultations with your defense attorney
- Certified specialists in both criminal defense and DUI defense
- 200+ jury trials across Tucson and Arizona
Understanding DUI Aggravated Assault in AZ
A DUI accident that causes injury can escalate far beyond a standard DUI charge. In Arizona, prosecutors can bring DUI aggravated assault charges when they claim a driver caused serious injury while impaired. A vehicle can be treated as a “dangerous instrument,” so getting into a crash while allegedly intoxicated can lead to felony assault accusations, even if you never intended to cause harm.
These are among the most serious DUI-related crimes in Arizona. They carry mandatory prison time, long-term license revocation, and a felony record that can impact every part of your life. Your criminal defense attorney in Tucson, AZ, can provide the science-based strategies, trial experience, and relentless advocacy you need when everything is on the line.
Request a free, confidential consultation to speak directly with an attorney who can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Book Your Consultation With a Proven Team
St. Louis Huffman Law focuses exclusively on DUI and criminal defense. Our credentials include:
- Board Certification in criminal defense by the State Bar of Arizona
- National College for DUI Defense Certification in DUI defense
- Former head of the Pima County Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes Unit
- Advanced training in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (instructor and administrator level)
- American Chemical Society training in forensic chromatography and blood testing
- More than 50 years of combined courtroom experience and led by Joseph P. St. Louis, who has tried more than 200 jury trials
If you’re facing a felony DUI aggravated assault charge in Tucson, you need a team that understands the law, the science, and how to convey them to a jury in a way that secures the best possible outcome for clients.
Our Testimonials
“Joe and his entire team are not only professional and the best at their craft, but also compassionate and understanding. They truly care about their clients which goes a long way in helping to make a bad situation bearable.”
— Jaclyn, 5-Star Review
Flat Fees And Transparent Costs
DUI aggravated assault cases often require investigators, expert witnesses, and complex litigation. We charge flat fees for legal representation and will maintain a client trust account for out-of-pocket costs like lab re-testing or expert testimony. You’ll know exactly where every dollar is going, with no surprise billing.
When Does DUI Become Aggravated Assault?
A routine DUI arrest could turn into a felony aggravated assault case if any of the following occur:
- A serious or life-threatening injury: Injuries that risk death, cause permanent disfigurement, or impair the function of an organ or limb can lead to elevated charges.
- Use of a dangerous instrument: Arizona law treats a motor vehicle as a dangerous instrument, which means any significant crash involving a car can qualify.
- Substantial but temporary injuries: Even fractures or temporary loss of function can lead to felony charges.
Prosecutors may allege that driving while impaired caused the injury, exposing you to a Class 2 or Class 3 felony with a “dangerous nature” enhancement. Our team will aggressively fight to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Potential Penalties For DUI Aggravated Assault
DUI aggravated assault convictions bring mandatory prison sentences. They vary by criminal history and the severity of the victim’s injuries.
Class 2 dangerous felony: Typically carries a range of 7 to 21 years in state prison
Class 3 dangerous felony: Carries a range of 5 to 15 years
If convicted, you also face multi-year driver’s license revocation, steep fines, mandatory substance abuse counseling, and lasting effects on employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Probation is rarely an option for DUI aggravated assault because these are considered “dangerous nature” offenses. The court must impose a prison term if you’re convicted.
Strategic Defense For Aggravated DUI Assault Charges
Defending a DUI aggravated assault case demands both criminal trial skill and forensic science knowledge. St. Louis Huffman Law brings both to every case:
Scene Investigation
We’ll revisit the crash location with expert investigators to document lighting, road conditions, traffic patterns, and any factors that challenge the police narrative of impairment or recklessness.
Scientific Evidence Review
Our attorneys understand the science behind blood and breath testing. We’ll scrutinize every step, from collection and storage to calibration and lab analysis. We often find weaknesses that create reasonable doubt.
Challenging the Stop and Arrest
We’ll examine whether the officer had valid legal grounds for the initial stop, field sobriety testing, or arrest. Constitutional violations can lead to critical evidence being suppressed.
Accident Reconstruction
We’ll consult accident reconstruction experts to present an accurate picture of speed, braking, and causation of injury, if any occurred. In many cases, the evidence shows that impairment was not the cause of the crash.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Prosecutors know our Tucson team prepares every case for trial. Our readiness to explain complex science to a jury often strengthens our negotiating position. We’ll fight hard for a reduced charge or dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Aggravated Assault Charges in Tucson, AZ
Is DUI aggravated assault the same as aggravated DUI?
No. An aggravated DUI is typically a felony DUI based on factors like license suspension or prior offenses. DUI aggravated assault alleges that you caused serious injury while you were impaired, which is a separate and often more serious felony.
What if my BAC was below the legal limit?
You can still face charges if the prosecutors claim that any impairment or reckless conduct on your part caused injury. Our team knows how to challenge those claims.
Can a charge like this be reduced?
Yes. With thorough investigation and strategic negotiation, charges can sometimes be reduced to lesser felonies or misdemeanors, or even dismissed, depending on the evidence.
Will I automatically lose my license if I’m convicted?
A DUI-related aggravated assault case can trigger long-term license consequences, but it is not automatic. MVD suspensions and revocations depend on the underlying DUI findings and administrative hearings. Early action from your attorney can protect your driving privileges.
Hear From Our Clients
“Highly recommend Mr. Huffman as a DWI defense lawyer. After an arduous legal battle, he was able to get all charges against me dismissed.”
— Rene, 5-Star Review
