Minnesota’s driving under the influence laws are very strict and understanding what the regulations are as far as blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The maximum BAC for someone who is pulled over is .08 percent, but this amount is lowered to .04% for commercial drivers and .02% for minors who are driving. A DWI is not just about the alcohol level, but also impairment by drug intoxication, such as marijuana, cocaine, and barbiturates. Punishment is severe for DWI charges and even the first conviction will severely restrict your freedom and decrease your finances.
First DWI Offense
A first offense DWI/DUI will result in a license suspension of 90 days and this suspension period can double if you have a BAC of .20 or above, or you are driving with a minor in the car. A reinstatement can be had if you are willing to install an ignition interlock device. There is no minimum jail time for a first offense, but depending upon the aggravating circumstances, you could spend up to 90 days in jail. Fines will be no more than $1000, but this cost will not include reinstatement fees and other fees that are associated with the reinstatement of your license.
Second DWI Offense
A second DWI conviction with a period of ten years will result in even more penalties and punishments. The first is that you will lose your license for at least 180 days and this amount can double if you had a BAC of .20 or above, or you had a minor in the car. As far as jail time, you will be facing up to 1 year in jail and you will be facing a fine of about $3000 and this amount will not include the additional fees and fines that are associated with your sentencing, as well as reinstatement fees. Your license plate may be impounded as well, which will mean that your car cannot be driven.
Third DWI Offense
A third conviction of DWI within ten years means that you will be facing a felony charge and the first result of this conviction is that you will be losing your license for an indefinitely period of time, but most likely for the rest of your life. You can spend up to one year in jail, too and will most likely be mandated to spend 12 months in an alcohol or drug treatment program. Your license plate will be impounded and you will be responsible for fees that will be around $3000. These fees will not include the cost of an ignition interlock device, reinstatement fees, court fees, and more.
Fourth DWI Offense
A fourth DWI conviction will be a first degree felony and will have some major implications on your life for a long time to come. You can be facing up to seven years in prison and around $14,000 or more in fines. Since you have already lost your license on the third conviction, you will have been driving without a license, which will mean additional charges that will cause you to lose your freedom for a long time to come.
If you choose to drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs in Minnesota, you will be facing some very strict penalties and punishments that will mean that you are facing severe freedom restrictions, as well as high financial costs. Lawyers are a necessity when you are facing any criminal charges and most especially when you are dealing with these strict DWI charges, so be sure that you take advantage of their expertise and experience to allow you to make it through your legal issues.