Protect Your Future After A Minnesota DUI Charge
A Minnesota DUI charge can happen to anyone, but it can have serious consequences. A driving while impaired (DWI) charge can affect your driving privileges and career, so understanding your options early can help you make informed decisions about your defense.
At Johnson Brothers Law, our Minnesota DWI defense lawyer, Jesse A. Johnson, has over 20 years of criminal defense experience and over 7,000 cases under his belt. Both brothers were born and raised in Chisago City, giving our firm a strong connection to the community. We can help you understand your options and prepare a smart defense.
How Serious Is A Chisago County DUI/DWI Charge?
In Minnesota, driving under the influence (DUI) and DWI are often used interchangeably. The seriousness of a DWI charge depends on its degree and the details of the case.
Minnesota DWI offenses range from fourth- to first-degree, with a fourth-degree offense being a misdemeanor. Third- and second-degree offenses are gross misdemeanors, while a first-degree offense is a felony. Aggravating circumstances can increase the seriousness of the offense, including:
- A blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 percent or higher
- Having someone younger than 16 in the vehicle, subject to Minnesota’s age-difference rule
- A prior qualified DWI incident within the past 10 years
Understanding the degree of your charge and the circumstances that may increase its severity can help you understand what you are facing and what options may be available.
What Other Consequences Can Follow A Minnesota DWI?
The consequences of a DWI can extend beyond fines and a criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, you may also face license revocation, license plate impoundment (“whiskey plates”), vehicle forfeiture or ignition interlock requirements.
The consequences can vary based on the degree of the offense, your prior record and other facts surrounding the arrest. Because the potential consequences can affect your driving privileges, finances and daily life, it is important to reach out to our criminal defense attorneys to understand what you may face in your specific case.
Could Your First DUI/DWI Lead To License Revocation?
Yes. Even a first DWI can result in the loss of your driving privileges. The consequences depend on the details of your case, including your alcohol concentration, whether aggravating factors apply and your prior driving record.
If you receive a notice and order of revocation, you have the right to challenge it in court. Under Minn. Stat. § 169A.53, Subd. 2(a), you generally have 60 days to petition for judicial review. We can help you understand your rights and options and determine what steps may be available to protect your driving privileges.
What Happens If You Refuse A Breath Test?
Minnesota’s implied-consent law requires drivers to submit to certain chemical tests when officers have sufficient grounds to suspect they were driving while impaired. Refusing a breath test can result in license revocation and can also lead to a separate criminal charge.
The consequences of a refusal depend on the circumstances, including your prior record. If you have been accused of refusing a chemical test, we can explain how the refusal may affect your driving privileges and your DWI case.
How Can We Challenge A DWI Charge?
A DWI arrest does not automatically mean the prosecution’s case is strong. We look closely at how the traffic stop, arrest and testing were handled to determine whether the evidence supports the charge. Our review examines factors such as:
- Whether police had a lawful basis for the traffic stop
- Whether officers properly administered field sobriety tests
- Whether the breath-test device was properly used and calibrated
- Whether police gave the required implied-consent advisory
Problems with the stop, testing or other evidence may affect the prosecution’s case. We can explain what those issues mean for your case and discuss your options, whether that involves challenging evidence, seeking a favorable resolution or preparing to take the case to trial.
Connect With An Experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney
Drunk driving charges are serious and require committed defense. We can review your case, explain the consequences and help you understand your options. Getting legal guidance early can help you understand what you are facing, protect your rights and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
We offer a free initial consultation. To schedule your free appointment with an experienced Chisago City DWI defense lawyer, call 651-400-1392 or send us a message.