What Does the Law Say About Driving Under the Influence in Minnesota?
Minnesota has stringent laws against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney says you risk tougher penalties if convicted of a DUI, even as a first-time offender. However, repeat offenders could have a more challenging time if they are convicted.
While judges have discretion to impose penalties, repeat offenders are bound to be subjected to the mandatory minimum sentences and sanctions if convicted. The stakes are high, and you risk losing your freedom if convicted of a DUI. It’s paramount to contact a skilled DUI defense lawyer in St. Paul as soon as possible after your arrest to protect your rights.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Offenders in Minnesota?
The legal aftermath of a first DUI offense can be confusing, frightening, and uncertain. You could be charged with a gross misdemeanor if your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.20 or above. The potential penalties include the following:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines of up to $3,000
- Probation for up to six months
- License revocation for up to one year
- Alcohol education
- Service work or community service
These penalties could haunt you for many years, severing your professional and social opportunities. It’s critical to hire an experienced legal team to avoid the penalties for repeat DUI offenders in Minnesota. An aggressive St. Paul DUI defense attorney can defend you against the DUI charges to have the charges dropped or the penalties reduced.
Penalties for a Second DUI in St. Paul
As you commit more DUI offenses, the penalties increase, putting you at risk of losing many freedoms. A second DUI offense occurring within 10 years of a previous violation is charged as a gross misdemeanor. The penalties upon a conviction include the following:
- A 30-day mandatory minimum jail term
- A fine of up to $3,000
- If your BAC was 0.16 or more, your driver’s license will be revoked for at least one year
- Vehicle forfeiture
Penalties for a Third DUI
If you commit a third DUI offense within 10 years of a previous violation, you are at risk of being slapped with the following penalties:
- A minimum jail period of 90 days
- A maximum fine of $3,000
- Mandatory license revocation for a minimum of two years
Penalties for a Fourth DUI
If charged with a fourth DUI within 10 years of three previous convictions, you will be charged with a felony DUI. The possible penalties are:
- A mandatory jail term of 180 days
- A fine of $14,000
- A prison term of 7 years
- Vehicle forfeiture
You don’t want to lose your freedom and other rights due to a repeat DUI offense. Therefore, you should fight aggressively to defend yourself, even if you feel like all is lost. An experienced DUI defense attorney in St. Paul can help you.
What About License Suspension?
The license suspension period after a DUI conviction in Minnesota depends on whether it is a first or subsequent offense and the circumstances surrounding the case, including your BAC level, previous convictions, and age. Once the license is revoked, you will receive paperwork from officers notifying you when the revocation period begins.
First DUI Offense
If your BAC level was between 0.08 and 0.159, your license will be suspended for 90 days. You can plead guilty to a 4th Degree DUI, which can see the period reduced to 30 days, as long as you didn’t endanger a child’s life and you don’t have prior qualified impaired driving incidents.
The revocation period increases to 180 days if you’re under 21. If your BAC was 0.16 or more or you refused a breath test, your license will be revoked for one year. The court can reduce the period to 90 days if you plead guilty to the refusal or 30 days if you plead guilty to a 4th Degree DWI charge.
Second DUI Offense
Your license will be revoked for 1 year if your BAC was between 0.08 and 0.159 during a second DUI offense. The period will increase to 2 years if the BAC was 0.16 or more, or if you refused to take a breath test. If you plead guilty to the refusal, the court can reduce the period to one year.
Once the revocation period expires, you must pass an alcohol or substance-related knowledge test, pay a $680 reinstatement fee, and seek a new Minnesota license.
Third DUI Offense
Whatever your blood alcohol concentration level was or whether or not you refused the test, your license revocation period is 3 years. Your option is to drive on a restricted license, meaning you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. You must complete a rehabilitation program to regain your driving privileges.
Fourth and Fifth DUI Offense
If you commit a fourth DUI conviction within 10 years of the previous offense, your license will be revoked for 4 years and cancelled as inimical to public safety. The fifth offense will attract a 6-year revocation period, and your license will be cancelled as a threat to public safety.
A skilled DUI defense attorney in St. Paul can provide in-depth guidance, depending on your case specifics. With the help of a legal expert, you increase the likelihood of gaining a favorable outcome that bypasses these devastating penalties.
An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing an Overview of DUI Penalties
Repeat DUI offenders risk being slapped with overwhelming penalties upon a conviction. These include a possible jail term, fines, mandatory alcohol programs, and driver’s license suspension. The consequences can adversely affect your life, so working closely with an aggressive criminal defense attorney to beat the charges is essential.
Adams Law Firm, PLLC, is a top-notch criminal defense law firm with a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney in St. Paul. Don’t let a DUI offense impact your future by taking away your rights and freedoms.
Call the office at 651-240-9282 for a FREE consultation.
