DWI Bail in Minnesota–Part II

Here is part II of our discussion of Minnesota DWI bail in Misdemeanor DWI’s, Gross Misdemeanor DWI’s and Minnesota Felony DWI’s:

3^rd Degree DWI:

3^rd Degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor. 3^rd Degree DWI occurs when one (1) aggravating factor is present.  The maximum amount of bail that may be set for 3^rd Degree DWI is $12,000.

3^rd Degree DWI can carry a mandatory maximum bail, with mandatory conditions, under certain situations. Mandatory maximum bail for a 3^rd degree DWI means that a Judge is required to set bail at $12,000 without conditions. Mandatory conditions mean that, in an alternative to posting $12,000 bail, a Judge is required to have an individual agree to intensive alcohol monitoring while their case is pending, which usually costs around $30 per day.

3^rd Degree DWI carries these mandatory maximum bail and mandatory conditions if one of the following aggravating factors are present:

1. the individual has no prior offenses, but submits to a chemical test which registers alcohol concentration at .20 or more

OR:

2. the individual has a child under the age of 16 in the car, and the individual is 36 months older than the child.

So, if an individual is charged with a 3^rd Degree DWI, but tests under a .20 and does not have a child under 16 in the car, then the individual is not subject to mandatory maximum bail or mandatory monitoring conditions.

2^nd Degree DWI:

2^nd Degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor and occurs when two (2) or more aggravating factors are present.  All 2^nd Degree DWI charges carry a mandatory maximum bail of $12,000 without conditions or, in the alternative, release with a lower amount of monetary bail, provided the offender is willing to submit to intensive alcohol monitoring.

1^st Degree DWI:

1^st Degree DWI is a felony. 1^st Degree DWI occurs when the individual has 3 prior convictions within the past 10 years. Note that felony DWI does not occur because 3 aggravating factors are present. All prior convictions are aggravating factors, but not all aggravating factors are prior convictions. The person must have 3 prior convictions within the past 10 years to be charged with felony DWI.

Despite what you may read elsewhere, there is no mandatory maximum bail for felony DWI. Felony DWI bail is solely up to the discretion of the Judge. So, if a friend or family member needs bail set on a Minnesota DWI bail, contact an experienced, agressive Minnesota DWI bail attorney right away.