Minneapolis DWI Lawyer, Attorney
DWI is an abbreviation for “Driving While Intoxicated.” DWI is sometimes referred to as “DUI” or “Driving Under the Influence,” however the term “DUI” does not exist in Minnesota.
DWI involves the act of operating and/or driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to the degree that mental and motor skills are impaired. DWI laws also apply to recreational vehicles, such as an ATV, boat or snowmobile, and piloting an airplane.
Try the Police Notebook Blood Alcohol Content Calculator or the Drink Wheel to calculate your estimated BAC.
If convicted of a DWI charge, a defendant can face between 90 days in jail to 7 years in prison, depending on the severity level of the alleged offense.
In Minnesota, there are four different DWI charges (click the link to view the applicable statute):
1. First Degree DWI (maximum of 7 years imprisonment and/or a $14,000 fine)
2. Second Degree DWI (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
3. Third Degree DWI (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
4. Fourth Degree DWI (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine)
The severity of a DWI in Minnesota depends upon whether one or more aggravating factors are present at the time of the offense. These include:
1. A qualified prior impaired driving incident within the ten years immediately preceding the current offense
2. Having an alcohol concentration of 0.20 or more as measured at the time, or within two hours of the time of the offense
3. Having a child under the age of 16 in the motor vehicle at the time of the offense if the child is more than 36 months younger than the offender.
A police officer must have a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping your vehicle. Oftentimes, officers will stop vehicles merely on a "hunch" that the driver is impaired. This isn't good enough. More importantly, police officers cite valid reasons for stopping your vehicle, but are simply lying. Did the police say you did something you didn't do, like swerving your vehicle on the road? Did the police say you didn't do something you should have done, like using a turn signal?
Our DUI & DWI defense attorney understands that while you may have been drinking, the police must nevertheless follow proper procedure in stopping your vehicle. We will actively investigate your case by interviewing witnesses, hiring experts if necessary, visiting the place of arrest for scene investigation and challenging the Intoxilyzer (breath test) machine if necessary. Don't simply give up because you know you consumed alcohol before driving.
As your devoted legal representative, we will:
• Be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns
• Investigate your case by reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses and hiring private investigators if necessary
• Thoroughly explain the charges against you, what the possible defenses are, and what the likely outcomes will be
• Explain what to expect in court and attend all court appearances with you
• Spend invaluable one-on-one time with you to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of the case
• Zealously advocate on your behalf to dismiss your case (if possible)
• Skillfully negotiate on your behalf to minimize any jail time, prison time, probationary period or fines
• Respect you, listen to you and genuinely care about your future
Unlike some attorneys, we make every case a top priority. We listen to our clients and don't judge them. Most importantly, we will never charge you an unjustified fee only to ignore your case and leave you in the dark. We promise to keep you informed from start to finish and explain every calculated decision we make. With our guidance and zealous advocacy, you will feel comfortable in making a carefully-planned decision about your future.
Contact Minneapolis DUI & DWI Defense Lawyer Christopher W. Keyser at (612) 338-5007 for a free, confidential and pressure-free consultation.
