One of the most frequently asked questions by clients who have been charged with a DWI offense is: Can I still drive if I have am convicted of a DWI?
Because most DWI offenses carry some loss of driving privileges, it is important that you take the charges seriously. First and second offenses typically result in a temporary loss of driving privileges, but a third offense can result in a license cancellation. If you are a repeat or felony DUI offender, it could also face vehicle forfeiture.
If you have a B-card (indicating you cannot consume alcohol, even when you are not driving), you could be charged with a gross misdemeanor if you were driving in violation of your B-card license. Even if you were not driving, you could still lose your license for three years or more.
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What Happens If I Drive After Loss of Driving Privileges?
If you drive after revocation, suspension, or cancellation, you could be charged with the criminal offense of “driving without a [valid] license,” which can result in harsh penalties. For instance, driving after revocation or driving after suspension could result in up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine per count. If you are caught driving on a suspended license four times, and all four charges are consolidated into one court appearance, you could go to jail for one year (four counts times 90 days is 360 days, or about one year). If you are found guilty of with driving after cancellation, you could spend up to one year in jail and/or pay a $3,000 fine.
How Can I Minimize or Eliminate DWI Penalties?
A DWI doesn’t always mean a loss of driving privileges, however, and there are ways to reduce DWI penalties and regain driving privilege. For instance, first-time DUI offenders can regain driving privileges by agreeing to use an Ignition Interlock Device. Depending on the circumstances of your DWI charges, you may also be able to obtain a restricted license or “work permit” that would allow you to drive to certain places, such as work, school, treatment programs, AA meetings, and other necessary locations.
A Minnesota DWI defense attorney can help you eliminate or reduce penalties and/or regain driving privileges. Minneapolis DWI lawyer Max A. Keller has the experience you need to defend your case, protect your legal rights, and minimize the potential DWI penalties. He is familiar with a number of specific issues pertaining to Minnesota DWI charges, including ignition interlock, license plate impoundment, vehicle forfeiture and job loss due to DWI. Moreover, his prior experience as a prosecutor in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office has given him the skill and knowledge necessary to provide you with the legal defense that you deserve.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
If you are facing DWI charges, do not delay. Contact the Minneapolis criminal defense law firm of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 today to learn more about how we can help you keep your driving privileges.
