| Seven years is what you could potentially be | | | | determining what those charges will ultimately |
| looking at should you get arrested in Minnesota | | | | include after your arrest. Some of these factors |
| and are convicted of first degree DWI. Not only | | | | include: |
| that, but you also stand to be ordered to pay a | | | | - Other DUI/DWI arrests over the past decade |
| fine up to $14,000 and because it's a felony, you'll | | | | - Alcohol concentration of .20 |
| lose your rights to vote and bear arms, among | | | | - A minor under the age of 16 who is traveling |
| other rights. Needless to say, just the thought of | | | | with you |
| these penalties is more than overwhelming. | | | | These are just a few factors and the fact is, the |
| Contacting an attorney should be your first move | | | | arresting officer is afforded a bit of leeway during |
| and it should be done as soon as possible. | | | | the arrest. The penalties vary as well. Using a |
| Here we'll discuss some of the nuances of | | | | "tiered" approach, the laws are defined as: |
| Minnesota's tough DUI and DWI laws and how | | | | Fourth Degree DWI is considered a misdemeanor |
| they can affect you should you ever find yourself | | | | and is punished by up to 90 days in jail and the |
| being charged for breaking any of these laws. The | | | | potential of a $1,000 fine. |
| first thing you should understand is that the terms | | | | Third Degree DWI is considered a gross |
| DWI and DUI are used interchangeably due to | | | | misdemeanor and if you're convicted you face up |
| revisions in Minnesota's laws. Driving under the | | | | to one year in jail with a $3,000 fine. |
| influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) | | | | Second Degree DWI is also considered a gross |
| are essentially the same but are sometimes | | | | misdemeanor and its determined based on a |
| confusing due to those changes. Still, being | | | | number of factors such as those listed above. |
| charged with a DWI crime presents stiff penalties | | | | First Degree DWI, if convicted, is a felony and |
| and depending on the charges, your past record | | | | punishable by up to seven years in prison and up |
| and any other crimes you find yourself charged | | | | to $14,000 in fines. Again, aggravating factors play |
| with, the repercussions can affect the rest of | | | | a large role in any sentence the judge imposes. |
| your life. | | | | The laws relating to DUI/DWI charges in |
| So What are the Laws? | | | | Minnesota are overwhelming and can be confusing. |
| Minnesota laws read that a DWI crime includes | | | | This only reiterates the importance of consulting |
| any person driving, operating or controlling a | | | | an attorney as soon as you can. Allow an |
| motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, | | | | experienced lawyer to go to bat for you and help |
| a controlled substance, a hazardous substance or | | | | you maneuver the legal waters. Without legal |
| any combination of these. Further, if you're found | | | | assistance, you stand to lose far more than you |
| with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 and are | | | | ever could have anticipated. |
| driving a vehicle, you will be arrested. If | | | | The information you obtain from this article is not, |
| metabolites of a schedule I or II controlled | | | | nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should |
| substance is found in your body and you're | | | | consult an attorney for individual advice regarding |
| operating a vehicle, you will be arrested. There | | | | your own situation. |
| are several aggravating factors that play a role in | | | | |