If you were arrested and charged with a DUI in St. Cloud, Minnesota or a neighboring City, please call the 1-800 number below to get in contact with an experienced DUI attorney to fight your case.

1-800-420-9444

St. Cloud, Minnesota DWI - DWI Attorney

If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, 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 very important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

Administrative Hearing

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

Arrested for DWI in St. Cloud, 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 DPS (Department of Public Safety). 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 separately.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In St. Cloud, Minnesota, a first time DUI / DWI 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 St. Cloud, Minnesota, a first time DUI / DWI offender faces jail time of up to 90 days.
Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DWI in St. Cloud, Minnesota are up to $1,000.00.
Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Breath Alcohol Content) 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 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.

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) 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 free, professional consultation.

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 St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud, Minnesota. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free consultation.