Minnesota DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionMinnesota drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DWI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Minnesota Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Minnesota:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Minnesota Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are convicted of drunk driving in the State of Minnesota you will have your drivers license suspended for a minimum of 90 days. This suspension could be reduced to 30 days if the offender pleads guilty to DWI. You will also be fined up to $1,000 and/or spend 90 days in jail. If your drivers license is revoked,you will need to pay an additional $680 reinstatement fee, complete a DWI knowledge test, a drivers license application and a chemical assessment.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are convicted of drunk driving (within 10 years of the first offense) your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 180 days. A work permit will be issued after half of the revocation time has passed and your reinstatement requirements have been met. You will also spend 1 year in jail and/or pay a $3,000 fine. Your license plates will be impounded. When your drivers license is revoked,you will need to pay an additional $680 reinstatement fee, complete a DWI knowledge test, a drivers license application and a chemical assessment.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd time you are arrested for a DWI you will lose your drivers license for a minimum of 1 year. There will be no allowance for a work permit until the year has passed and you have met all of the reinstatement requirements. You will be ordered to attend treatment and rehabilitation and show proof of abstinence for a minimum of 1 year, and lifetime abstinence is required after reinstatement. You will also be sentenced to 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. Your vehicle will be forfeited and the license plates will be impounded. When your drivers license is revoked,you will need to pay an additional $680 reinstatement fee, complete a DWI knowledge test, a drivers license application and a chemical assessment.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction is a Felony DWI
You may be charged for a felony DWI if you have been arrested for the 4th time in 10 years for driving while intoxicated. Your drivers license may be revoked for 4 years and you will be ordered to attend treatment and rehabilitation and proof of abstinence for a minimum of 1 year, and lifetime abstinence is required after reinstatement. If you are convicted of a felony DWI you could serve up to 7 years in prison with a possible 5 year conditional release plus a $14,000 fine. When your drivers license is revoked,you will need to pay an additional $680 reinstatement fee, complete a DWI knowledge test, a drivers license application and a chemical assessment.
Minnesota Drivers License Issues
The implied consent law in Minnesota means that all drivers are required, by law, to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are arrested for driving while intoxicated. It is a crime to refuse to submit to this test. If you do refuse a chemical test you will receive a 1 year suspension of your drivers license. The implied consent law in Minnesota applies to recreational vehicles, boats, snowmobiles and ATV's. When your drivers license is revoked,you will need to pay an additional $680 reinstatement fee, complete a DWI knowledge test, a drivers license application and a chemical assessment.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
