Locals know that certain areas of Tolleson, like Van Buren Street, have a heavy law enforcement presence to match the heavy commercial and commuter traffic. Those leaving work near the distribution corridor or leaving happy hour at local spots like Longbranch Saloon or El Camaron Gigante may find themselves in the path of active DUI patrols. For those with a suspended license or a prior DUI conviction on their record, I-10 and 99th Ave stops can lead to DUI charges and a felony record. If that happens, a Tolleson aggravated DUI attorney can fight for your driver’s license, your livelihood, and your future.
Below, Lerner and Rowe Law Group explains what leads to an aggravated DUI arrest, how police build their case, what mandatory penalties apply, and what your legal options may be.
How I-10 and 99th Ave Stops Lead to an Aggravated DUI
A standard DUI is a serious charge, but ARS 28-1383 elevates the charge to an aggravated DUI if certain factors are present, including:
- Driving on a suspended, cancelled, or revoked license
- A third DUI offense within seven years of prior convictions
- A minor under 15 years old in the vehicle at the time of the offense
- Driving the wrong way on a highway
Many do not expect a 99th Ave DUI arrest following a Van Buren Street traffic stop. When this happens, it can lead to a felony conviction that has much more serious consequences.
Officers routinely check licenses during stops, and a suspended license and signs of impairment change the charge classification. If you were unaware your license was suspended or thought it was reinstated, consult a Tolleson DUI attorney immediately.
How Tolleson Police Build Their Case for I-10 and 99th Ave Stops
Law enforcement patrolling the I-10 and 99th Ave corridor in Tolleson follows established DUI investigation protocols. When an officer pulls someone over, they are trained to look for certain signs of impairment, including:
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot or watery eyes
- The odor of alcohol
- Field sobriety tests performance
Any combination of these observations as well as a suspended license is typically enough to support an aggravated DUI arrest. Officers must have a lawful reason to initiate I-10 and 99th Ave stops, and that reason has to hold up in court.
Your constitutional rights apply at every stage of the stop, and a violation of those rights can affect whether evidence is admissible in court. A Tolleson aggravated DUI attorney will examine every detail of your stop to identify where the state’s case may be vulnerable.
How a Tolleson Aggravated DUI Defense Attorney Fights Your Case
Just because you were pulled over for an aggravated DUI or even arrested doesn’t mean you are guilty—you still have legal options. Every stage of I-10 and 99th Ave stops can be scrutinized, and a skilled Arizona defense attorney will examine the full details of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and build your defense. Depending on the circumstances, DUI defenses can include:
- Challenging the validity of the traffic stop
- Improperly calibrated breathalyzer tests
- Incorrect blood test collection procedure, storage, or transfer
- Improper license suspension notification procedure
What looks like a clear case at the time of the traffic stop often looks very different once a Tolleson aggravated DUI attorney examines the evidence.
Mandatory Penalties for a Suspended License DUI in AZ
Unlike misdemeanor DUIs, a felony DUI charge in Arizona carries mandatory prison time—probation is not an option. Under ARS 28-1383, penalties include:
- A Class 4 Aggravated DUI carries a presumptive sentence of 2.5 years in prison, with a range of .33 to 3.75 years
- A Class 6 Aggravated DUI carries a presumptive term of 1 year
- Mandatory prison time can begin at the time you plead guilty
Additional consequences on top of prison include:
- A minimum one-year driver’s license revocation
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device upon reinstatement (if alcohol was involved)
- Fines and surcharges that can exceed $4,000
- A permanent felony conviction on your record
- Potential loss of professional licenses or employment
A suspended license DUI in AZ will also lead to separate proceedings with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) that impact your driver’s license.
Contact a West Valley Felony DUI Attorney Today
An aggravated DUI charge in Tolleson after I-10 and 99th Ave stops can cost you your freedom, your driver’s license, and your job. A West Valley felony DUI attorney with experience with the Maricopa County Superior Court system who knows how these cases usually work and how to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Arizona criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 and offer payment plans.
Call (602) 667-7777, reach us via LiveChat, or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.