Minnesota Drunk Driving Lawyers & Attorneys
Minnesota DWI laws are quite strict in an effort to keep drunk drivers off of the road. There have been many fatalities as a result of drunk drivers, so the laws are designed to save lives.
However, people do make mistakes and even when mistakes are made, people do have rights. Although you may feel guilty, don’t let that deter you from acquiring the proper legal representation to make sure you get a much better outcome. There have been instances in which charges have been completely dismissed, an individual has been acquitted, or the penalty has been reduced significantly.
First Time DWI
If you are a first time offender, you will be happy to know that approximately 85% of first time offenders are never arrested for DWI again. However, no one wants to be arrested for DWI because driving privileges can be taken away completely or partially taken away. You may also have to attend classes.
If your blood alcohol concentration was less than .20, then you can count on the conviction being a misdemeanor. Up to 90 days in jail is possible, as is a fine of $1,000. A reading of over .20 will constitute a gross misdemeanor that holds a fine of $3,000 and up to a year in jail.
Second Time DWI
If you’re a second time offender, then the police have most likely taken your license plates and possibly took your car. You may also be electronically monitored before you ever go to court to make sure you don’t consume any alcohol and you are responsible for the monitoring costs.
If this is your second offense in ten years, then you have most likely been charged with a gross misdemeanor. This holds a penalty of a year in jail and/or fines up to $3,000. The mandatory minimum is 30 days in jail and eight hours community service every single day under 30 days that you are not in jail. At least 48 hours of jail time must be served.
Third and Fourth DWI
The third and fourth Minnesota DWI offenses have even harsher penalties. You may never see your car again, you could be sentenced up to 90 days in jail with 30 of those days served consecutively, may have to undergo program intensive supervision with at least 6 days spent in jail, and your driving privileges may be completely taken away.
The fourth offense will constitute a felony. The fine could be $14,000 and a three year prison term could come with it. Even if part of the sentence is stayed, 180 days must be served.
Twin Cities DWI Lawyers
If you have been accused of DWI, then it is important that you know your rights. Know that you can have proper representation and receive a much better outcome than you would without having representation. Just because you may have had a blood alcohol content over .08 does not mean that you have to take the harshest punishment possible. Just remember that the prosecution has to build a case against you to convict you, but you can have a defense that can give the prosecution a run for their money.
If you or someone you know has been arrested with a DWI charge, it is important to speak to a skilled DWI defense lawyer who can handle your situation with the utmost experience and dedication. Our DWI attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and handle all court appearances to guide you through the criminal justice system. Protect your rights. If you have questions regarding your DWI charges contact our attorneys for a free consultation at (952) 797-7464.
Our Minnesota DWI defense lawyers represent clients throughout Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Anoka County, Scott County, Washington County, Sherburne County, and beyond. We represent clients throughout the Twin Cities including Minneapolis, St Paul, Anoka, Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Champlin, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maplegrove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville, White Bear Lake and Woodbury.
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