DWI Attorney | Understand Minnesota Penalties

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.

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.

Understanding Minneapolis Charges in Fatal Drunk Driving Crashes