May 06, 2014

Can I Still Drive If I Have a DUI in Minnesota?

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.

Table of Contents

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 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.

Max Keller

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

Nov: 20, 2024

When Does the Defense Present Evidence in a Criminal Case in Minnesota?

A Santa Clara University study shows that over one million people in Minnesota have criminal records. In Minneapolis alone, 5,713 crimes are reported annually within an area of 100,000 residents. These criminal cases require the defendants to present evidence challenging the prosecutor's narrative. So, when does the defense present evidence in a criminal case? Your defense team presents evidence at the trial phase right after the prosecution team completes outlining the facts it intends to prove and how its evidence will prove you guilty.

Nov: 11, 2024

How Do I Handle Media Attention and Public Scrutiny After Conviction?

Media attention and public scrutiny after conviction can hurt your personal and professional reputation, especially if your criminal case is high-profile. One of the questions you may ask is: How do I handle media attention and public scrutiny after conviction in Minnesota? You can do that by familiarizing yourself with your rights, having a witness present during a media interview, minimizing media consumption, and taking a break from social media. Building a strong support system and working closely with a criminal defense lawyer can help you handle or minimize the impact of public scrutiny.

Oct: 28, 2024

What Is the Timeline for Filing Pre-Trial Motions in a Criminal Case?

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.