Coon Rapids, Minnesota DWI - DUI Criminal Defense Attorney
What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Coon Rapids?
Under Minnesota law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Department of Public Safety in Minnesota. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on its own.
If you have been charged with DWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a DWI (DUI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.
Minnesota DWI - DUI Administrative Hearing
Pursuant to Minnesota law, an individual has 30 days to request a hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Minnesota . Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a "Notice of Revocation" and a 7 day temporary license which serves as your license in lieu of the one retained by the officer. If you fail to request a hearing within 30 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is imperative that you submit your request to the Minnesota DPS within 30 days.
DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders
- Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by a law enforcement officer is a crime in Minnesota and carries a penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000.00 fine. Refusal will also result in the revocation of driving privileges in Minnesota for 1 year. The revocation may be reduced to 30 days if the offender pleads guilty to DWI, or reduced to 90 days if offender pleads guilty to test refusal.
- Monetary Fines - In Coon Rapids, Minnesota, fines for a first time DWI are up to $1,000.00.
- Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Breath Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DWI - DUI conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI - DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
- Minnesota Driving Privileges and DWI - In Coon Rapids, Minnesota, a first time DWI - DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 90 days, however if the offender pleads guilty to the DWI, the revocation period can be reduced to 30 days.
- Time in Jail - In Coon Rapids, Minnesota, a first time DWI - DUI offender faces jail time of up to 90 days.
- Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
DUI Laws
Minnesota is an implied consent state. This means that if you operate a motor vehicle, you consent to have your BAC (Breath Alcohol Content) level tested. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.
DWI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why an aggressive and professional attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is crucial you contact a Minnesota DWI - DUI criminal defense attorney for a fast and free consultation right away.
Other Minnesota DWI Costs
Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI might include:
- Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
- Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
- Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. This is why you should contact an aggressive and professional DWI attorney for a fast and free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. |