Edina MN DWI Lawyer | About Minnesota’s DWI Laws and Offenses
DWI Penalties on First Offense
Fines and Costs Edina MN DWI Lawyer
A first DWI offense in Minnesota carries a minimum fine of $1,000 with a maximum fine of $3,000. Many other fees also apply. Edina MN DWI Lawyer
Mandatory Alcohol Assessment
In addition to fines and costs, you are required to complete alcohol assessment at the completion of any sentence imposed on you for your first DWI conviction. The assessment may be done in person or by computerized testing (online). If you are on probation after your first conviction and fail to complete this assessment as directed by the court, your probation will be revoked and you will be sentenced for another two years in prison. You will also face additional penalties such as community service hours when appropriate (up to 1 year) and mandatory ignition interlock device installation if applicable under Minnesota law after any period of incarceration has been served away from home for the purposes of working or going to school full time during those two years under supervision by authorities who monitor data from installed devices so systems can detect whether certain substances have been consumed recently enough before driving safely again without risking arrest during required installation period where applicable under current law.”
What Are the Penalties for a Second DWI Offense?
For a second DWI offense, you will face fines and penalties ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The minimum jail time requirement is 48 hours while the maximum jail time requirement is 30 days with an additional fine of up to $1,000. You may also have your license suspended for up to 5 years.
For a third DWI offense within 10 years of your second offense, you could face fines and penalties up to $6,000 with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 72 hours and maximum jail sentence between 90 days and one year with an additional fine up to $5,000. Your license can be revoked for up to 10 years or permanently depending on whether this was your first or second conviction on which the court imposed a deferred disposition or probationary period during which you were convicted of another traffic violation resulting in revocation.
Third-Time DWI Penalties in Minnesota Edina MN DWI Lawyer
The third time DWI law in Minnesota is a serious offense, and it’s possible to spend months or even years in jail. In addition to the penalties listed above, repeat offenders can also face mandatory minimum jail sentences. Those convicted of a third time DWI will serve at least one day in jail for their first offense, five days for their second offense, and 30 days for their third offense.
The punishments are even more severe when drivers cause injury or death while driving drunk. Those who cause serious bodily harm while intoxicated face up to seven years in prison and/or fines up to $14,000 (and they may be required to serve 90 days in jail). If you kill someone while drinking and driving on your third conviction within ten years of your previous two convictions, you could face 15 years behind bars as well as fines up to $28,000 (and you may need 180 days spent behind bars).
In general, in Minnesota, the penalties for a first time DWI are more severe than those for second and third time offenders.
In general, in Minnesota, the penalties for a first time DWI are more severe than those for second and third time offenders. However, there are also a number of factors that determine how your case is handled by law enforcement and the courts:
- whether you refuse to take a chemical test (i.e., breathalyzer)
- whether you have an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- whether any other person was injured as a result of your actions while intoxicated
Conclusion
Minnesota’s DWI laws can be complex, so it’s important to understand your rights and possible penalties if you are charged with a DWI. If you have any questions about Minnesota’s DWI laws or need legal representation for your case, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer today.
Contact Lauren Campoli, the top criminal trial lawyer in Edina MN, now to learn more about our legal defense services, or if you’ve been charged with a crime.