A DWI in the State of Minnesota is a serious crime that requires an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer.
Drunk driving involves the act of operating and/or driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree that mental and motor skills are impaired. DWI laws also apply to recreational vehicles including boats, all-terrain vehicles and the piloting of an airplane.
Many judges will place a first-time offender in jail. There are increased penalties for repeat offenders and even first-time offenders who test .20 or more or who have a child under 16 in the vehicle. There are tough, mandatory jail terms even for persons convicted on a Second DWI.
Started on August 1, 2002, a Fourth DWI in Ten Years is a felony with a three year prison term. Furthermore, on August 1, 2005, the per se DWI alcohol concentration was reduced from .10 to .08. There are additional penalties to one’s driver’s license, motor vehicle license impoundment, higher insurance rates, and in many cases forfeiture of your automobile. In hiring a lawyer to defend your DWI case you should learn what that lawyer really plans to do to try to limit or eliminate these penalties.
Before you hire a Minnesota DWI lawyer, there are many important things to consider. These include experience, peer review as well as the terms and conditions of this important relationship. Of course you have more questions about your specific situation. Call me 24 hours a day!