Have you ever wondered whether seeking legal counsel in a criminal DWI or DUI case in Minnesota is worth the time or money?  If so, here are a few things to keep in mind:

·         A DWI DUI Attorney in Minnesota can help explain what is happening procedurally and help guide you through the necessary steps. 

·         A DWI and DUI lawyer can help explain the criminal charges, which carry severe penalties.  For instance, in Minnesota a Misdemeanor DWI can result in 90 days in jail and $1000 fine, a gross misdemeanor DWI DUI in Minnesota can result in 365 days in jail and a $3000 fine, and a felony DWI in Minnesota can result in up to 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine.  There are also collateral consequences from a DWI DUI criminal charge in Minnesota, such as driver’s license revocations, license reinstatement fees, court fees, increased insurance premiums, and potentially restricted access to foreign countries based on your criminal record.

·         In Minnesota, a DWI or DUI charge generally triggers a criminal case and a civil revocation of your driver’s license.  Timely responses are required for both.  In fact, if you fail to respond to the revocation of your driving privileges, the uncontested revocation can essentially act as a criminal DWI or DUI conviction for purposes on enhanceability in subsequent DUI or DWI cases.

·         DWI and DUI charges in Minnesota are enhanceable, meaning that subsequent charges can become more sever depending upon the disposition of a past DWI or DUI case. 

·         A Minnesota DWI DUI lawyer can look at the evidence in your case and discuss potential defenses and evidentiary arguments.  Remember, police are human and occasionally make mistakes.

·         A lawyer can help alleviate the stress and worry surrounding a DWI DUI charge in Minnesota, which allows you to get your life back on track.

A general misconception is that speaking to a Minnesota lawyer about your DWI or DUI charge means that you are somehow avoiding responsibility from what allegedly occurred.  Not True! 

You have constitutional rights and as a citizen of the United States and a resident of Minnesota, you owe it to yourself and your peers to make sure that these rights are not violated or unjustly eroded by neglect or mistake.  A criminal defense attorney can explain as well as aggressively protect those rights. 

Click here for more information on “What are my Rights” 

In Minnesota, speaking to a DWI or DUI lawyer is not too expensive or a waste time.  In fact, most DWI and DUI criminal lawyers in Minnesota offer free consultations and some DWI lawyers are even available 24 hours a day.  Make sure to use these free consultations to better understand what is happening and plan your next step. 

I hope you found this information to be useful.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

Remember, if you are ever stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance make sure you do the following:

(1) Give the police officer your driver’s license and proof of insurance,

(2) DO NOT admit to anything,

(3) Politely refuse to answer any questions,

(4) Politely refuse to conduct any field sobriety tests,

(5) Contact a lawyer before you test at the police station or hospital, and

(6) Continue to politely refuse to make any statements.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 612-381-0303