Charges of drunk driving are nothing to take lightly. In fact, a drunk driving conviction could cost you dearly for years to come – not just in terms of its financial impact, but its impact on your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. For instance, a DWI first offense in Minnesota could cost you more than $700 for your driver’s license reinstatement, and your auto insurance rates could triple. Moreover, a driver’s license revocation could stay on your driving record permanently, even if you are found not guilty of the charges, which could be used against you by police, prosecutors, and even insurance companies.
For this reason, it is important to contact a Minnesota DWI attorney as soon as possible if you are facing DWI charges so that a vigorous defense can be launched to fight the charges and minimize the potential impact of a conviction.
Just one drunk driving conviction can result in the following significant criminal penalties:
- Jail time up to 90 days
- Fines up to $3,000
- Up to one year of driver’s license revocation
A second drunk driving conviction within a ten-year period can result in even stiffer penalties, including:
- Mandatory 30-day minimum jail term
- Fines of up to $3,000
- Mandatory minimum one-year revocation of your license (two years if you test .16 or more) or ignition interlock requirements
- Vehicle forfeiture
A third drunk driving conviction within a ten-year period can result in penalties such as the following:
- Mandatory 90-day minimum jail term
- Fines of up to $3,000
- Mandatory minimum two-year revocation of your license
- Vehicle forfeiture
Four or more drunk driving convictions within a ten-year period are charged as felony DWI and can could result in the following penalties:
- Mandatory 180-day minimum jail term
- Up to seven years in prison
- Fines of up to $14,000
- Vehicle forfeiture
In addition, a drunk driving conviction could result in probation, mandatory community service, mandatory alcohol education classes, increased insurance rates, and damage to your reputation. Accordingly, it is important to consult with a Minnesota drunk driving lawyer who can help you defend against the drunk driving charges, seeking dismissal or reduction of charges and/or minimum penalties.
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Contact a Minneapolis DWI Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a DWI, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. The Minnesota drunk driving lawyers at Keller Law Office will defend against the drunk driving charges and ensure that your rights are protected. Our DWI defense lawyers are 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, and we will use our knowledge and skill to defend you against the charges.
If you are facing DWI charges – whether a first offense or a subsequent offense– contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (952) 913-1421 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis drunk driving defense lawyers.
