Minnetonka, Minnesota DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arrested for DWI in Minnetonka, Minnesota?

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 in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. 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 on their own.

Minnesota DWI / DUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Minnesota law, an individual has 30 days to request a hearing from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety . 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 crucial that you submit your request to the Minnesota DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 30 days.

Being charged with DWI in Minnetonka, Minnesota can have serious repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DWI in Minnetonka, Minnesota are up to $1,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Minnetonka, Minnesota, a first time DWI / DUI offender faces imprisonment of up to 90 days.
• Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In Minnetonka, Minnesota, a first time DWI / DUI 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a breath alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DWI or DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Minnesota DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• 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.

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. This is why a competent and skilled criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Minnesota DWI - DWI criminal defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.

DUI Laws

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

Other Minnesota DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Minnetonka, 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 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.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Minnetonka, Minnesota. This is why you should contact a competent and skilled DWI criminal defense lawyer for a fast and 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.