If you are charged with a DUI, also referred to as a DWI, you may be worried about the consequences and what you can expect next. A skilled DUI lawyer can help you navigate the legal process after a DUI/DWI charge and assist you in defending against the charges and restoring your driving privileges.
What Are The Consequences of a DUI In Minnesota?
Although DUI (“Driving Under the Influence”) is a commonly used term, Minnesota’s official term for the offense is “Driving While Intoxicated,” or DWI. Under Minnesota law, drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle while:
- Under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
- Under the influence of a substance the driver knows to be intoxicating
- Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or 0.04 percent for commercial drivers
You will face civil and criminal consequences for a DUI. On the civil side, you are subject to license revocation. On the criminal side, you will face a possible DUI conviction and related sentencing.
What Are The License Penalties For A DUI Offense?
The potential penalties you may face for a DUI related to your license depend on whether this was your first offense or if you have multiple DUI defenses:
- First offense – For a first offense, if you had a (BAC) of 0.08-0.15, your license will be revoked for ninety days. However, it can be reduced to thirty days if you plead guilty. If your BAC was 0.16 or more (or you refused the test), your license will be revoked for at least a year.
- Second offense – If you are charged with a DUI for a second time within ten years of the first offense with a BAC of 0.08-0.15, your license will be revoked for at least one year. If your BAC was 0.16 or you refused the test, your license will be revoked for at least two years.
- Third offense – Regardless of the BAC test results, your license will be revoked for three years and canceled for your third offense.
What Are The Criminal Penalties for a DUI?
The criminal penalties you may face for a DUI conviction vary greatly and depend on the severity of the offense and whether there are any of the following aggravating factors:
- A BAC of 0.16 or higher at the time of your arrest
- A prior impaired driving incident within the past ten years of the subject offense
- The presence of a passenger under 16 in the vehicle where the passenger is over three years younger than you
A DUI conviction can range from a misdemeanor (fourth-degree DUI), carrying a jail sentence of up to ninety days with a $1,000 fine, to a felony (first-degree DUI), in which you can be sentenced to seven years in jail and have to pay a $14,000 fine.
Contact Coodin Law Office, LLC Today
At Coodin Law Office, LLC we understand how stressful it can be to face DUI charges, especially when you do not know whether you will serve time in jail or how it will affect your ability to drive. Rest assured, we are here to help you defend against the charges and restore your driving privileges when appropriate. Contact us today to speak to Steven M. Coodin in a free consultation.