Minneapolis DWI Attorney

DWI Penalties in Minneapolis

Minnesota DWI penalties can range from fines up to seven years in prison, depending on the number of previous convictions, and other aggravating factors such as a breath test showing a BAC of .20% or higher. A first time DWI offense is a misdemeanor but DWI can be considered a felony if there have been three previous DWI incidents. DWI penalties are broken down as follows:

• First degree DWI is charged if there have been three or more alcohol related incidents within the past 10 years. A first degree charge is a felony and can result in a prison sentence of seven years and fines of up to $14,000.
• Second degree DWI is charged when there are two or more aggravating factors involved. Aggravating factors include a previous DWI, the presence of a child in the vehicle, BAC of .20 % or higher, or refusal to submit to chemical testing. Penalties can be up to one year in jail, confiscation of license plates, forfeiture of the vehicle and fines of up to $3,000.
• Third degree DWI can be charged when one of the aggravating factors is present with maximum penalties being the same as second degree DWI except for forfeiture of the vehicle.
• Fourth degree DWI is charged when there are no aggravating factors. This is the most common charge for a first DWI offense and is a misdemeanor that can result in a maximum of 90 days in jail, 90 day suspension of license, and fines of up to $1,000.

When facing any of these charges, your need to contact a Minnesota DUI lawyer right away to ensure that your rights are protected. The firm of Grostyan & Associates PLC may be your best ally as my firm has a proven track-record of aggressively and successfully representing our clients.

What are your options?

My firm will take the time to carefully listen to the circumstances of your case. We will interview the arresting officers, interview any witnesses, and thoroughly investigate your case. There may be grounds to challenge the reasons that the police had for pulling you over or there may be questions about the validity of the breathalyzer tests used by the police involved. The procedures used in giving a field sobriety test may also be challenged. My firm has the knowledge and experience to help you determine all of your legal option. I passionately believe in fighting for an individual’s constitutional rights and have successfully helped thousands of clients and I may be able to help you.

Contact a Minneapolis DWI attorney from my established firm right away to ensure that your rights are protected and you fully understand all of your legal options.