Need help from a Minnesota DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Minnesota DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

Minnesota DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Minnesota law, an individual has 30 days to request a hearing from the Minnesota DPS . Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a "Notice of Revocation" and a 7 day temporary license which serves as your license in lieu of the one retained by the officer. If you fail to request a hearing within 30 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is important that you submit your request to the Minnesota DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 30 days.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Duluth?

Under Minnesota law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Minnesota DPS. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Minnesota, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In Duluth, Minnesota, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Minnesota for 90 days, however if the offender pleads guilty to the DWI, the revocation period can be reduced to 30 days.
• Time in Jail - In Duluth, Minnesota, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of up to 90 days.
• Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DWI in Duluth, Minnesota are up to $1,000.00.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (breath alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement is a crime in Minnesota and carries a penalty of 1 year in jail and or a $3,000.00 fine. Refusal will also result in the revocation of driving privileges for 1 year. The revocation may be reduced to 30 days if the offender pleads guilty to DWI, or reduced to 90 days if offender pleads guilty to test refusal.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Minnesota.

Other Minnesota DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Duluth, Minnesota, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI might include:

• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Duluth, Minnesota. This is why you should contact an assertive and professional DWI criminal defense attorney for a fast, free consultation.

DUI Laws

Minnesota is an implied consent state. This means that if you operate a motor vehicle, you consent to have your BAC (breath alcohol content) tested. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Minnesota, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an assertive and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Minnesota DWI attorney for a fast, free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.