Mankato, Minnesota DWI - DWI Attorney

If you received a DWI in Mankato, Minnesota, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DWI lawyer immediately. Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a Minnesota DWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Minnesota DWI criminal defense lawyer today for a professional and free consultation.

Minnesota DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Minnesota law, an individual has 30 days to request a hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Minnesota . 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 driver's 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 very 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 Mankato?

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 Department of Public Safety in Minnesota. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In Mankato, Minnesota, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges 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 Mankato, Minnesota, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of up to 90 days.
• Monetary Fines -Fines for a first time DWI are up to $1,000.00.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DWI - DWI conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by a law enforcement officer 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 in Minnesota 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.

Additional DWI Costs in Minnesota

• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your driver's 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.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Mankato, Minnesota can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.

There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get a DWI in Mankato, Minnesota. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and professional DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

DUI Laws

Minnesota is an implied consent state. This means that if you operate a motor vehicle, you consent to have your BAC level tested. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a professional and 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 defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Minnesota DUI or DWI lawyer for a quick and easy 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.