Minneapolis Attorneys Explain Drunk Driving Penalties

Minnesota DWI laws are strict for a reason. Drunk driving costs lives. But people do make mistakes, and even people who make mistakes have rights.

Do not let feelings of guilt deter you from hiring the talented legal counsel required to make sure you obtain the best possible outcome. Jeffrey B. Ring & Associates has helped obtain dismissals, acquittals and reduced penalties in attorney Ring's decades of DWI practice.

Classes Of Minnesota DWI law

Drunk driving law in Minnesota is divided into four classes:

The First DWI Offense

First-time offenders and those driving a boat while intoxicated who test below .16 and/or have not child in the car are charged with fourth-degree DWI. That is a misdemeanor and carries a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Driving privileges are revoked for 90 days if your test was below .16. First timers with .16 or greater must go on an ignition interlock device for one year, but this can be challenged.

An alcohol reading over .16 constitutes a gross misdemeanor that permits a fine of up to $3,000 and up to a year in jail. The same is true for a first-time offense with a child in the vehicle.

The Second DWI Offense

For a second DWI conviction within 10 years, with an alcohol reading under .16, the jail, fine and license revocations are much higher. Even a first-time offender who refuses the test is a gross misdemeanor. If your alcohol level is high or you have a child in your car, it is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Plus, your vehicle can be subject to forfeiture. Your driver's license is revoked for one, two or even three years, and you may be required to use the ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

The Third DWI Offense

Your third DWI charge is a gross misdemeanor, regardless of your alcohol level, and can result in up to one year in jail, a $3,000 fine and forfeiture of your car. Your driver's license may be canceled, and you may be required to drive using an ignition interlock for three years. Your license plates will be impounded, and you will have to put whiskey plates on your vehicle.

The Fourth DWI Offense

The fourth time you are charged in a 10-year period, it is a felony DWI carrying a sentence of three to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine. Your driver's license will be canceled and your license plates impounded. You must remain alcohol-free for four to six years for your ignition interlock to be removed from your vehicle. You will be charged with felony DUI for every subsequent DUI offense, regardless of your alcohol level.

All refusals to take an alcohol breath, blood or urine test are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. Driving privileges are revoked for at least one year, with the possibility of using an ignition interlock.

Call A Former Prosecutor Who Knows What Is At Stake

All of these consequences can be challenged. Jeffrey B. Ring & Associates works aggressively to find the best strategy for helping clients get through a DUI case. Contact my firm. The initial consultation is free.