Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Minnesota DWI license issues go further than the driver’s license

Many Minnesotans may recognize that a charge for driving while impaired will potentially have a significant impact of the person’s ability to drive. While a person accused of drunk driving can expect their driving privilege to be revoked, the license revocation may be challenged in a civil hearing apart from the DWI criminal case, if the driver timely files a legal challenge to the revocation.

But, fewer drivers may be aware of licensing issues that may attach to vehicles the driver owns. Minnesota law allows officials to require certain people to display what are commonly referred to as “whiskey plates” on a vehicle after a DWI offense.

So-called whiskey plates are a form of special registration for the vehicle.

But, before a person applies for the special registration plates, the state essentially impounds the license plates that were on the car at the time of the alleged drunk driving offense. Minnesota law allows license plate impoundment in specific circumstances such as:

  • When a DWI charge is based upon an alcohol reading of 0.16 percent or more
  • When law enforcement alleges a minor under the age of 16 and at least 3 years younger than the driver was present in the car during a drunk driving offense
  • When a person is charged with DWI with a prior qualified alcohol-related incident within 10 years of the new DWI charge
  • When a driver’s license has been cancelled as inimical to public safety and the driver is arrested for a new DWI

Like a driver’s license revocation, the plate impoundment may be challenged in some cases. Applying for the special plates may also be an option. A Minneapolis DWI defense lawyer can explain the different issues and procedures involved that can surround a DWI license plate impoundment.

 

Source: Alexandria Echo Press, “What does it take to ‘earn’ a ‘whiskey’ license plate?,” Sergeant Jesse Grabow, July 29, 2013

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
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

Cinematic Court of Law and Justice Trial Proceedings. Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea

The Surprising Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea in Minnesota

Defendants in Minnesota may plead guilty or accept deals without understanding the hidden cost of a guilty criminal plea. A guilty criminal plea, regardless of how appealing it appears, can leave you dealing with substantial lifelong consequences. You may skip lengthy trial proceedings and likely get a lenient sentence, but end up with a criminal record. The record can lead to various financial and collateral consequences, including difficulty in securing employment, loss of housing rights, license revocation, and immigration issues.
Court of Justice Trial. Pre-Trial Motions Hearing

What You Can Expect at a Pre-Trial Motions Hearing in Minnesota

The pre-trial motions hearing is a court session you attend after your first arraignment. At the hearing, the prosecution and defense appear before a judge to clear several details about the case before trial. These details include pre-trial motions, evidentiary queries, and constitutional matters.
Man in handcuffs. Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest

Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?

Highly publicized incidents of police using excessive force over the past few years have led to people wondering, “What’s the difference between refusing arrest vs. resisting arrest?” Resisting arrest in Minnesota occurs when you use force to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest. Refusing an arrest, on the other hand, involves statements or actions that show reluctance to cooperate with an officer’s instructions without using force.