Understanding Minneapolis Charges in Fatal Drunk Driving Crashes

The Minnesota DWI Statistics

DWI are extremely serious criminal charges in Minnesota. The state does not provide a statutory provision on whether reckless plea bargains can be accepted, but a DWI attorney can create the bargain for an offender. In 2015, over 25, 000 drivers were reportedly arrested for drunk driving. Half the number of those arrested was termed as first-time offenders, meaning they had no DWI occurrences within the past ten years. According to Minnesota laws, a DWI/DUI is the act of being in physical control of a vehicle while:

•    Intoxicated with alcohol or drugs

•    Bearing a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of equal to or more than 0.8 percent

•    Having any levels of drug substances in the blood system except marijuana

When lawfully arrested, the law makes it a crime for DWI criminals to refuse taking a breath alcohol test.

Criminal Penalties

Penalties administered in Minneapolis are designed for swift consequences. For a first time offence, the offender may have their licenses revoked for up to 90 days. However, if chemical test refusal is involved, the period of license revocation may be extended to one year. In Minnesota, a first DWI is a misdemeanor that could get the offender jailed or fined up to 1,000 dollars. For gross misdemeanor, the penalty falls under one year jail term and a fine of up to 3,000 dollars. To regain the driving privileges, a driver’s license examination fee, plate impoundment fee, reinstatement fee and surcharge must be paid for.

The New DUI Laws

Since 2010, convicts of a DUI charge are expected to give time to the installation of an interlock ignition device to get restricted driving privileges. Offenders who fail to abide by law must be prohibited from all driving rights. Depending on the DWI case, no-driving policies range from one to six years.

Getting Legal Help

The facts and laws of every DWI case in Minnesota are different and complex. A DWI attorney understands the rules, laws, and consequences of each case in every jurisdiction detail. An attorney has enough familiarity with the court system, the skill to navigate complex administration procedures, and the understanding of plea bargain details.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.