Last year in Minnesota, about 28,000 people were arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. In fact, here in Minnesota, about 1 in 7 adult drivers has a DWI on their record, which speaks to how frequently police arrest people for this crime.
DWI, sometimes called DUI, stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Intoxication can be caused by a few different things. In most cases though, intoxication is from drugs or a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08%. Being intoxicated and behind the wheel of a vehicle can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on certain aggravating factors. For a DWI to be a first offense, one must not have had a DWI within the last ten years. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the common penalties a person might face if they are charged with a first offense DWI in Minnesota.
Penalties For A First Offense DWI
Penalties come in both administrative and criminal forms. Here’s a look at both:
Administrative Penalties
Administrative penalties are handed down from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Administrative Penalties are designed to be swift and apply when a driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The consequence for a first offense DWI is a revoked license for 90 days, jumping to a full year if it involved a BAC over 0.16% or a chemical test refusal. Another consequence is plate impoundment, and applies if the driver’s BAC was at or over .16% or there was a passenger younger than 16 years old in the vehicle. All license plates from vehicles owned or jointly owned by the offender are removed and replaced by whiskey plates.
Criminal Penalties
Criminal penalties are imposed by a court following a conviction for a DWI. The conviction is a misdemeanor for first-time offenders and they can receive up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If there was a test refusal, a BAC over .16% or a passenger under 16, the conviction is raised to a gross misdemeanor. The penalties become up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. With either of these convictions, there is also the possibility of probation, community service, alcohol or substance abuse awareness classes or required attendance at a victim impact panel.
Getting Legal Assistance
The consequences for a DWI are very serious and the court process is very complex. If you have been arrested for a DWI, contact a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience defending clients against these charges. A good lawyer can make the process easier and get you the best outcome possible. To learn more, call (952) 224-2277 and set up a free consultation about your case today.
