Minnesota DWI Lawyers & DUI Defense Attorneys

Being charged with a Minnesota DUI/DWI can be stressful, confusing, and extremely disruptive to your every day life. Penalties for driving under the influence in Minnesota vary depending on previous offenses, the driver’s age, and a number of other factors.

The complicated nature of many DUI/DWI cases makes it extremely important to hire an experienced, knowledgeable, Minnesota DWI attorney. Judith A. Samson is very experienced with handling DUI/DWI cases and is dedicated to providing clients with the legal advice necessary to provide the best possible outcome.

Minneapolis DWI Lawyers & DUI Defense Lawyers

Penalties for Minnesota DUI/DWI charges vary depending on the number of previous charges, blood alcohol level, the driver’s age, as well as additional circumstances. The following describes penalties which can be expected according to the number of offenses. These penalties may change depending on the driver's blood alcohol level, age, as well as additional factors.

• First Offense – Driving under the influence first time offenses are typically misdemeanors as long as the driver is over the age of 21 and their blood alcohol content (BAC) was under .20% at the time of arrest. Misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 as well as a 90 day jail sentence. First offenses may become gross misdemeanors if the driver’s BAC was over .20% at the time of arrest, if there was a child in the car at the time of arrest, or additional factors were present. Gross misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine of $3,000.
  
• Second Offense – Second offense DUI/DWI in Minnesota results in a mandatory minimum jail sentence of (typically) 30 days. Second offenses are also considered gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail as well as a $3,000 fine. The driver’s car, licenses, and/or license plates are also typically revoked after a second arrest. Penalties for a second offense may also increase depending on a number of factors at the time of arrest.
  
• Third Offense – Third time driving under the influence arrests result in serious penalties. Third time offenders typically face a 90 day jail sentence, impoundment of their vehicle, loss of license, as well as additional penalties. The driver is also typically monitored to ensure alcohol is no consumed before (and after) the court date.
  
• Fourth Offense – Fourth offense DUI/DWI results in the most severe penalties. Fourth offense driving under the influence results in a felony. The driver faces a 3 year jail sentence, a fine of no less than $14,000, electronic monitoring, the loss of license and driving privileges, as well as additional serious penalties.
  

Minnesota DWI statutes contain 4 main types of drunk driving crimes: First Degree Felony DWI, Second Degree Gross Misdemeanor DWI, Third Degree Misdemeanor DWI, and Fourth Degree Misdemeanor DWI.

Minnesota Underage DUI

Underage Minnesota DUI/DWI offenders face additional charges. Depending on the driver’s age they will face penalties under “Not A Drop” law or “Vanessa’s Law.” The following describes the conditions which apply to each law.

Vanessa’s Law – Vanessa’s Law applies to drivers under the age of 18 who are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Under Vanessa’s Law drivers:

• Are not eligible to receive a license or permit until 18
• Must pay all fines before receiving a license (up to $680)
• Pass the knowledge test before receiving a license
• Complete the classroom portion of driver education
• Hold a permit for at least 3 months
• May face additional penalties

Not A Drop Law – Not A Drop Law applies to drivers under the age of 21 who are arrested for driving under the influence. Not A Drop Law is a zero tolerance law, meaning any driver under the age of 21 who shows signs of consuming any amount of alcohol may be arrested. Not A Drop Law results in license revocation, counseling, and a number of other additional penalties.

Minnesota Drunk Driving

Minnesota drunk driving charges apply to any person operating a motor vehicle. This includes cars, trucks, ATVs, boats, and other off road vehicles. A person over 21 is considered to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol content level is .08 or greater. If the person is under 21 and they register any consumption of alcohol they may be arrested according to Minnesota’s Not A Drop Law.

Driving Under The Influence

Due to the various laws, statues, and regulations that apply to driving under the influence it is extremely important to hire a skilled defense attorney. This is especially true for multiple offenders as well as underage offenders due to the various laws which apply.

Judith A. Samson is experienced and knowledgeable regarding all forms of DUI/DWI cases. She is dedicated to providing clients with professional legal aid, and is determined to help clients return to normal life as quickly as possible. If you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence contact Judith A. Samson today for a free initial consultation at 612.333.8001.

The Minnesota DWI lawyers with Judith A. Samson, represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and surrounding areas in Anoka County, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Sherburne County, Wright County and Washington County.