DWI charges, which stands for Driving While Impaired, are among the most common criminal matters we handle in the Oakdale area. The I-94 and I-694 corridor sees significant traffic enforcement, and the Oakdale Police Department actively patrols local roads for impaired drivers.

A DWI charge is not automatically a conviction. There are often meaningful questions worth exploring in these cases. Our attorneys look carefully at how the stop was initiated, how field sobriety tests were administered, whether the breath or blood testing equipment was properly maintained, and whether all required procedures were followed.

For a broader look at how we approach impaired driving charges, visit our DWI/DUI Defense page.

We also handle cases involving Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, which involve a separate set of evidentiary issues and often require different defense strategies than alcohol-based charges.

Underage DWI and DUI Defense

Minnesota law treats drivers under 21 differently when it comes to alcohol and driving. The legal threshold is lower for underage drivers, meaning a blood alcohol level that would not result in a charge for an adult can still trigger an underage drinking a driving charge for a younger driver.

For a young person, the consequences can ripple far beyond the immediate case. College enrollment, scholarships, campus housing, financial aid, and future employment can all be affected. A conviction that appears minor on the surface may carry weight for years.

Our attorneys work with underage clients and their families to understand what options may be available, including diversion programs, reduced charges, or challenges to the stop and testing procedures.

Felony DWI and DUI

Not every DWI is a misdemeanor. Under Minnesota law, a DWI can be charged as a felony in certain circumstances. This typically involves prior DWI convictions within a specific lookback period such as having 3 prior convictions within ten years or having a prior Felony level DWI conviction.

A felony DWI charge carries potential prison time, substantial fines, and long-term license consequences. It can also affect your ability to vote while incarcerated, possess firearms, or hold certain professional licenses.

Felony DWI cases require careful attention to prior conviction records, the accuracy of testing, and whether all constitutional protections were observed during the arrest. Our law office handles felony DWI cases throughout Washington County.

You may also want to review our page on Aggravated DWI/DUI, which covers situations where enhanced penalties may apply based on specific circumstances.

You may also want to review our page on Aggravated DWI/DUI, which covers situations where enhanced penalties may apply based on specific circumstances.

Expungement of DWI and DUI Records

A DWI on your record does not have to follow you indefinitely. In some cases, Minnesota law may allow for expungement, which is the legal process of sealing or clearing a criminal record so it no longer appears in standard background checks.

Expungement eligibility depends on several factors, including the nature of the charge, the outcome of the case, and how much time has passed. Not every DWI conviction qualifies, and the process involves filing a petition with the Washington County District Court in Stillwater.

If you were charged but not convicted, or if your case was resolved in a way that may make you eligible, it is worth discussing your options with an attorney. Clearing a record can open doors in employment, housing, and licensing that a conviction may have closed.

Field Sobriety Test Challenges

Field sobriety tests, which are the roadside physical exercises an officer asks a driver to perform, are not as reliable as they might appear. They are standardized procedures, but they depend heavily on the officer’s training, the conditions at the scene, and factors that have nothing to do with impairment.

Poor lighting, uneven pavement, cold temperatures common in Minnesota winters, medical conditions, fatigue, and even footwear can all affect performance on these tests. A driver who is completely sober can still fail a field sobriety test under the wrong conditions.

Our attorneys examine the specifics of how each test was administered, whether the officer followed proper protocols, and whether the results are actually reliable enough to support a charge. In many cases, challenging the field sobriety test results can meaningfully affect how a case proceeds.

License Plate Impoundment Relief

When a driver is arrested for DWI in Minnesota, license plate impoundment is one of the administrative consequences that can follow. This means the plates on the vehicle can be physically removed and held, which affects not just the driver but potentially other members of the household who rely on that vehicle.

There are procedures for challenging plate impoundment and seeking relief, and timing matters. Waiting too long may limit your options. If you or someone in your household is dealing with plate impoundment following a DWI arrest in the Oakdale area, speaking with an attorney promptly can help clarify what relief may be available and how to pursue it.

Commercial Driver DWI and DUI (CDL)

For commercial drivers, a DWI charge carries consequences that go well beyond what a standard driver faces. Commercial driver’s license holders are held to a stricter legal standard, and a DWI conviction, even in a personal vehicle, can result in CDL disqualification.

Losing a commercial license can mean losing your livelihood. Truck drivers, bus operators, and others who depend on their CDL to earn a living face a category of risk that most DWI defendants do not.

Our attorneys understand the CDL-specific implications of a DWI charge and work to protect both the criminal case and the licensing consequences that run alongside it. The stakes in these cases are simply different, and the defense approach needs to reflect that.

Weapons Charges and DWI

A less-discussed but serious issue arises when a DWI arrest involves a firearm in the vehicle. Under certain circumstances, having a weapon present during a DWI stop can result in additional charges or enhanced penalties.

Minnesota law intersects with federal law in some of these situations, particularly when a prior felony conviction is involved. The presence of a weapon may also affect how the prosecutor approaches the case and what kind of plea resolution, if any, they are willing to offer.

If your DWI arrest involved a firearm, it is important to have an attorney who understands both the DWI defense and the weapons charge dimension. These cases require coordinated strategy from the start.