Rochester, Minnesota DWI - DWI Attorney

If you have been charged with DWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a DWI charge in Minnesota understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Rochester?

Pursuant to Minnesota law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your license by the Department of Public Safety in Minnesota. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, but it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Minnesota DWI attorney today for a professional and free consultation.

Minnesota DWI or DUI 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 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 crucial that you submit your request to the Minnesota DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 30 days.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI - 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.
• Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In Rochester, Minnesota, a first time DWI or DUI 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 Rochester, Minnesota, a first time DWI or DUI offender faces imprisonment of up to 90 days.
• Monetary Fines - In Rochester, Minnesota, fines for a first time DWI are up to $1,000.00.
• 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 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, Minnesota. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free, professional 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) level tested. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a 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 options and rights. This is why a competent and professional defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Minnesota DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional 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.