What To Know About DWI In Minnesota (Part 1)
Have you been caught drinking and driving? Drinking and driving cases are extremely common, and the vast majority of them are cases where people were driving when they were barely over the legal limit, and were also unaware that they were driving when over the legal blood alcohol limit. Here is some information regarding DWI in Minnesota to know: DWI Lawyers Minneapolis MN
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI?
“DUI” is an abbreviation for “Driving Under the Influence.” This could contain or exclude a specified alcohol level. All that is required to make a DUI case is for the prosecutor to demonstrate that the driver was under the influence of alcohol while they were driving.
“DWI” stands for “Driving While Intoxicated.” In most cases, intoxication is characterized as having a specified blood alcohol level (0.08 or higher in Minnesota). According to Minnesota law, “Impaired Driving,” which can refer to either impairment or being over the legal blood alcohol level, is an additional charge that could be added on in a DWI case as well.
What penalties will I receive if I’m found guilty?
Depending on a number of different variables concerning your specific case, there are a variety of penalties that could be imposed if you are found guilty of DWI.
Can you go to jail for DWI?
While it’s possible, it’s also not an absolute certainty. Although there are required minimum penalties for some repeat offenders, most defendants who are charged with DWI are able to avoid spending time in jail if they have a good criminal defense attorney defending them.
Can I refuse to take field sobriety tests?
Yes. Many people are unaware of this fact, but you are not required to perform any of the field sobriety tests that you are requested to do. Officers frequently request that people take certain sobriety tests under the guise of saying that it is to determine if they are fit to drive home. However, in actuality, they want to see you fail the sobriety tests so that they can collect evidence of your impairment and arrest you for DWI. In these types of cases, they are also trying to acquire evidence in order to maximize the state’s chances of being able to convict you of DWI, which could result in severe penalties.
If you’ve been caught driving while intoxicated, or if you’ve been charged with DWI, then you should speak with an expert DWI attorney in Minneapolis MN, like Lauren Campoli, as soon as possible.