A recent study by the research center WalletHub.com reveals that Minnesota comes in at the middle of the pack when it comes to how strictly states handle DUI offenders.
For their research, WalletHub looked at a number of different factors to determine just how strict or lenient some states were when it comes penalizing drunk drivers. Before we get into the rankings, here’s a look at the 15 factors they analyzed:
- Minimum jail time (1st offense)
- Minimum jail time (2nd offense)
- DUI is automatic felony after what offense?
- How long do previous DUIs factor into penalties?
- Days of administrative license suspension
- Is vehicle impounded?
- Is Ignition Interlock mandatory?
- Ignition Interlock mandatory period in length
- Additional penalties for high BAC?
- Mandatory alcohol assessment?
- Minimum fine for 1st offense
- Minimum fine for 2nd offense
- “No refusal” sobriety testing?
- Average insurance rate increase after DUI
- Child endangerment protection?
- Sobriety checkpoints?
- Other penalties?
How Do The States Stack Up?
So when all those factors are analyzed for each state, how do they stack up in terms of the strictest and most lenient states? Minnesota came in around the middle of the pack as the 27th most strict state for DUI offenders. Here’s a look at the 10 strictest states and the 10 most lenient states for DUI offenders.
10 Strictest States For DUI Offenders
1. Arizona
2. Georgia
3. Alaska
4. Kansas
4. Oklahoma
6. Nebraska
7. Connecticut
8. Utah
9. Delaware
10. West Virginia
The 10 Most Lenient States For DUI Offenders
1. South Dakota
2. Washington D.C.
3. Ohio
4. North Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Maryland
6. New Jersey
7. Pennsylvania
7. New York
9. Vermont
10. Mississippi
For more information on the study, or to see how your state stacks up compared to the rest of the United States, swing on over to the WalletHub website. And if you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Appelman Law Firm for legal help.
