Getting arrested for a DWI/DUI can happen to anyone. The Minnesota impaired driving laws have changed over the years to provide for both decreased tolerances of alcohol, and increased penalties for repeat offenses. If it happens to you, you want an experienced criminal defense lawyer protecting your rights. At the Shakopee law offices of Loftness & Anderson, we protect the rights of those charged with drunk driving. If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI, we can help defend your rights in court and attempt to prevent loss of your driving privileges.
Anyone committing a DWI/DUI offense in Minnesota faces four possible concerns:
It is important that your DWI/DUI defense addresses all of these concerns.
If you have been charged with driving while impaired, there will be a criminal proceeding against you. Charges range from First Degree DWI through Fourth Degree DWI. While the legal limit for a person's blood-alcohol concentration used to be .10, it is now .08. Upon being arrested, a test will be taken of your blood, breath, or urine. Even if your test is taken more than two hours after your arrest, it can still be used against you in court.
A person can be charged with driving while impaired if the person drives, operates, or is in physical control of a vehicle:
You can be charged with and convicted of a DWI/DUI without even driving the vehicle. Also, if you refuse to submit to a test of your blood, breath, or urine, you can be charged with and convicted of a separate crime for refusing.
Upon being charged with driving while impaired or test refusal, you have a limited time to initiate an implied consent proceeding, which pertains to the revocation or cancellation of your driving privileges, and the loss of your license. If you do not initiate the proceeding within the requisite time period, you will lose your chance to dispute the revocation of your license.
If you have multiple DWI/DUI convictions on your record, you may have concerns about vehicle forfeiture, as well as the requirement to obtain special license plates. Under some circumstances, you may have to surrender your license plates or your vehicle altogether. As part of your criminal defense, we will advise you what your chances are to successfully challenge either of those requirements.
With so many things to consider as you fight your DWI/DUI charges, you want a lawyer who will protect your rights in every aspect of your case. Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your situation and your options. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Loftness & Anderson, P.A.
327 Marschall Road, Suite 370
Shakopee, MN 55379
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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