If you’re fighting DWI charges involving the use of cocaine, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be wondering, “What are the penalties for driving under the influence of cocaine in Minneapolis, Minnesota?” or “What defenses are available for someone charged with DWI?”
Driving under the influence (DUI) of cocaine in Minnesota is a serious criminal offense. The penalties you may be facing if you’re convicted on driving under the influence of cocaine will depend on your past DWI offenses, whether there are aggravating factors, and whether there were any injuries or fatalities caused. Several prior offenses and serious injuries or fatalities result in harsher penalties, such as hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, or jail time.
Fortunately, there are various defenses that criminal defense lawyers may be able to use to get your charges reduced or eliminated entirely. Be sure to get a DUI attorney involved as soon as possible after your arrest. Your lawyer will explain your rights and your legal options, investigate the incident, and begin working on your defense right away.
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When Fatal Crashes Are Caused by DWI in Minnesota
If you were arrested for driving under the influence of cocaine after getting involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident, you’ll need to hire a criminal defense lawyer right away. You may also face charges for involuntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or murder, depending on the specific details of your case.
While such charges carry harsh penalties, various legal defenses and arguments may apply to your situation. For instance, faulty testing and lack of direct causation are some common defenses against vehicular homicide or involuntary manslaughter.
Your lawyer will examine the specifics of the fatal crash and the charges you are facing to identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.
Navigating the Legal Landscape of DWI Charges in Minnesota
DWI and DUI are often used interchangeably in Minnesota. They refer to the act of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.
DWI charges in Minnesota usually begin when a police officer asks you to stop your vehicle after suspecting you of driving under the influence. The officer will expect you to pull over safely and cooperate. The officer will then administer field sobriety tests.
The officer may also search your vehicle if the officer has a justifiable reason to believe there is proof of illegal drugs in your vehicle. Possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin results in the most stringent penalties. So, don’t get caught with these drugs.
Field sobriety tests are voluntary, but refusing them can raise suspicion. Police officers use them to assess your coordination and alertness. While they may not fully conclude that you are under the influence of drugs/alcohol, field sobriety tests help form the foundation for a DWI investigation.
The officer will arrest you if you fail the sobriety tests and the officer has probable cause to believe you are under the influence. The officer will then take you to the station for a chemical blood test and arrest processing, which includes fingerprinting and mugshots. Afterward, expect a court hearing to determine your charges and next steps.
Seeking Legal Counsel is Crucial
A skilled DWI attorney who has handled cases like yours before will be familiar with the local laws and the tactics prosecutors use in and outside court.
Additionally, the legal system comprises complex laws, procedures, and jargon. Your attorney is your translator, helping you decipher these terms and explaining your rights. He or she will also help you understand the charges and the consequences you face if you’re convicted.
Your DUI attorney can leverage his or her experience in similar cases to chart a strategic course for your defense. He or she will explore any loopholes, identify weaknesses in the case, and look for other ways to reduce or eliminate your charges.
The legal system is also full of twists and turns, unexpected obstacles, and even opportunities for negotiation. Your attorney is your skilled negotiator who will advocate for your best interests. He or she will be your voice in the courtroom, ensuring your rights are protected, and your story is heard.
Your attorney can also offer emotional support and guidance throughout the process. The attorney will answer your questions, address your concerns, and empower you to make informed decisions with a clear head.
Charges and Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Cocaine
After police officers gather the evidence, including the blood test results, they present their findings to the prosecution team. Prosecutors review the evidence, interview witnesses, review video footage, and may even consider your medical history.
Prosecutors will formally charge you with DWI if the evidence concludes impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. This is when the legal battle begins. You have a legal right to defend yourself with the help of a lawyer, explain your actions, and present evidence.
The more severe your DWI charge is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the harsher the potential penalty. At the lower end, you might encounter fines, license suspension for 30 days or more, and mandatory alcohol or drug programs. If found with up to 3 grams of coke, the case will be treated as a fifth-degree felony, answering the question: “How much coke is a felony?”
If someone dies in an accident you caused, you may face felony charges. The charges will attract prison sentences and hefty fines. These penalties depend on your prior offenses and injuries caused.
If this is not your first DWI, expect the penalties to be even harsher. Each new offense adds more consequences. And if someone gets seriously hurt or killed, it can change the whole course of your journey.
Understanding the penalties that can come with driving under the influence of cocaine empowers you to make informed decisions. You can seek legal counsel and equip yourself with the knowledge and guidance to navigate the case. Your lawyer can help break down the Minnesota laws governing these penalties.
The Hidden Costs of a Minnesota DWI
A DWI in Minnesota can have other consequences besides fines and jail time.
High Insurance Premiums and Policy Cancelation
Expect higher car insurance premiums or even policy cancelation if you get convicted of DWI. Finding affordable coverage could also be a struggle. The reason is that insurance companies put drivers with a DWI conviction in their records in the high-risk category.
Career Setbacks, Financial Challenges, and Difficulties Renting a House
Many employers have zero-tolerance policies for DWIs. Losing your job can bring financial hardship and career setbacks. Court costs, towing fees, and potential car repairs from impoundment can pile up, causing financial problems.
DWI convictions become public records, meaning potential employers and landlords can access them during background checks. As such, they may impact your future employment, rental applications, and even volunteer opportunities.
Mental Health Challenges and Broken Relationships
You may also experience disappointment, anger, and potentially even broken relationships when trying to explain a DWI to your family, friends, or partner. A DWI conviction can ruin the trust of loved ones, and leaving you feeling isolated and ostracized.
Living with the knowledge that you endangered yourself and others can lead to lasting guilt and emotional distress. Driving can become a source of anxiety and fear of future consequences, and the conviction can affect your self-confidence and self-worth.
Can I Have a DWI Conviction Expunged?
Fortunately, you may be able to seal or expunge your DUI record to hide it from the public. In this case, most people, employers, and even landlords wouldn’t see it. However, there are conditions and wait times involved. Also, certain exceptions apply to sealed or expunged records – courts or law enforcement can access your records when necessary.
The seal is only applied after certain waiting periods – two years for a first-time DWI and four years for subsequent offenses. Though sealing or expunging your DUI record will not erase your past, it can offer a fresh start and lessen the long-term effects of a single mistake.
Steps to Take After a DWI Arrest
Instead of panicking, stay calm and cooperate with the officers during the arrest. Remember, your demeanor can be seen as evidence. Don’t refuse blood tests or field sobriety tests.
Refusal automatically strengthens the case against you. Look for anything that might help your case. Figure out if any witnesses or medical conditions influenced the tests.
Contact your DWI attorney immediately. He or she will be your experienced guide, helping you navigate the Minnesota criminal justice system and build effective defense strategies. Once your attorney is on board, follow his or her advice.
Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Cocaine?
If you were arrested for driving under the influence of cocaine, you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 7 people in our state have at least one DWI. Nearly 25,000 DWI arrests are made in Minnesota each year, and a high percentage of those involve the alleged use of drugs. Still, the penalties for driving under the influence of cocaine are stiff. Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for help.
