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

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

How Prosecutors Use Text Messages in Minnesota Drug Cases

Prosecutors use text messages in Minnesota drug cases to prove circumstantial evidence. Text messages can prove intent or motive to distribute drugs. Knowing how your text messages may be used against you in a drug crime case can help you plan an effective defense strategy. That’s why you should involve a Minnesota drug crime attorney immediately after you get arrested, charged, or discover the police are investigating you for a drug crime. Your lawyer can carefully examine your text messages and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s case.