What To Know About DWI In Minnesota (Part 2)
Have you been arrested for drinking and driving? Drinking and driving incidents are fairly prevalent, and the vast majority of them include persons who were driving while only slightly over the legal limit and who were also unaware that they were driving while over the legal blood alcohol limit. Here is some information on DWI in Minnesota that you should be aware of: DWI Attorney Near Me Minneapolis MN
Do I need to take a preliminary breath test?
A preliminary breath test–also known as a breathalyzer test–includes blowing into a small handheld instrument that measures a suspect’s approximate blood alcohol level. A breathalyzer test is typically performed on the side of the road after a person has been pulled over and has performed field sobriety tests. However, it’s important to know that you are not legally obligated to take a breathalyzer test.
What can make a DWI a felony?
A felony DWI involves a minimum penalty of 1 year and 1 day in prison. In Minnesota, you can be charged with felony DWI if your case is one of two types of cases:
- The current crime that you have committed is your 4th DWI or other impaired driving violation within a 10-year long period.
- You have previously been convicted of a felony DWI at any time in your life.
A felony DWI carries a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine. Therefore, anyone who is charged with a felony DWI must seek help from an expert Minnesota DWI attorney regarding their case.
How long will a DWI stay on my record?
DWI offenses in Minnesota could result in imprisonment. Therefore, DWI offenses committed within the last 10 years can be used as a basis to increase the severity of a new prosecution. With that being the case, it’s extremely hard to try and get a DWI conviction removed from your record until at least 10 years have passed. Unless you are able to successfully petition the court for expungement, a DWI conviction will most likely remain on your permanent record for the remainder of your lifetime.
What will happen to my driver’s license?
If you are charged with DWI or DUI, you will get a notice informing you that your license will be revoked 7 days after the occurrence. In Minnesota, your license can be revoked even before you’ve had a chance to defend your case in court.
If you were caught driving while drunk or charged with DWI, you should consult with an experienced DWI lawyer in Minneapolis MN, such as Lauren Campoli, as soon as possible.