What is a DWI?

Driving While Intoxicated is the long name for a DWI. In Minnesota, this is a very serious crime and you should treat it as such. What will happen is that when you are stopped by a police officer, you may be suspected of driving while intoxicated. The police are then allowed to test your Blood Alcohol Content level. If that is above 0.08, then they can arrest you for a DWI.

What are my rights when I am arrested?

The arresting officers will inform you of your rights as they place you into their custody. You have the right to remain silent as well as the right to an attorney. This means you do not have to confess to your crime. You are also allowed legal counsel, which is recommended that you seek immediately. In cases such as DWIs, time is usually a factor. A local DWI specialist lawyer or attorney can lead you through the difficult process that you are about to face. They can give you sounds advice as they should know all of the local laws that apply to your situation.

What are the possible penalties of a DWI?

There are four degrees of a DWI in the state of Minnesota, the last being considered a full felony. Which one applies to you varies by how many aggravating factors are connected with your crime. A fourth degree DWI is the most common, as it means that this is your first offense, you agreed to take the tests, and had a BAC of less than .20. This is punishable by a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, a $1000 fine and 90 day suspension of your driver's license.

As you add more factors to the basic charge, such as having a BAC over 0.20, having been convicted of a DWI before, or having a passenger under the age of 16 at the time of arrest, the punishments become more and more severe. Fines can be upwards of $10,000, your license can be revoked for over a year, and you may face up to five years in jail.