Everything First-Time DUI Offenders Need to Know About Minnesota’s Legal System

Under Minnesota Statute § 169A.20, “driving while impaired” (DWI) charges arise from various situations, such as operating a vehicle while impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances or testing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. The consequences of first-time DWI offenses are not limited to criminal penalties, which carry a maximum of up to ninety days in jail and a $1,000 fine, but extend to administrative punishments that affect driving privileges long before a court reaches a verdict. These administrative actions may result in the suspension of driving privileges for 90 days or up to a year for more severe infractions, such as refusing chemical testing or driving with a BAC of 0.16% or higher.

At Knutson + Casey, we aim to mitigate the penalties and potentially dismiss the charges by leveraging a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to each unique case. Whether it’s your first DUI charge or facing aggravated penalties under more complex circumstances, understanding your legal rights and options is the initial step toward protecting your future and reputation.

Minnesota’s Laws for First-Time DUI Convictions

A DWI/DUI is a severe criminal offense, even for those facing it for the first time. A person may be charged with a first-time DWI if they are found driving, operating, or in physical control of a vehicle under these conditions:

• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that impairs their driving abilities.
• Knowingly under the influence of a dangerous substance that significantly impacts their capacity to drive.
• Operating a vehicle with a while testing a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
• Having a Schedule I or II controlled substance in their system, excluding marijuana.

It is crucial to confront DUI allegations proactively with the support of the experienced attorneys at Knutson + Casey. Even a first offense leads to severe penalties in Minnesota, potentially impacting your driving privileges and future.

Potential Penalties for First-Time DUI Offenses

A first-time DUI, or a DWI that occurs more than 10 years after a previous DWI is a generally a misdemeanor. The most severe penalties for this offense include a jail term of up to ninety days and a fine up to $1,000.

However, the offense escalates to a gross misdemeanor under certain conditions, including the following:

• If the driver refuses to undergo testing.
• If the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.16% or higher.
• If there is a passenger under sixteen years old in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

A gross misdemeanor is a more serious charge than a standard misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $3,000. Additionally, first-time offenders are required to undergo chemical dependency evaluations as a part of their sentencing.

Potential Administrative Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense

Beyond criminal repercussions, a first-time DWI offender must also navigate administrative penalties, which primarily affect their driving privileges. These penalties are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, separate from the criminal proceedings. In fact, the administrative case may conclude well before the criminal trial even begins.

For a first-time DWI, the standard administrative consequence is a 90-day suspension of driving privileges. This suspension extends to one year if the offender either refused a chemical test or had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16 or higher. The lawyers at Knutson + Casey also represent clients in these administrative hearings to fight for their driving privileges.

More severe administrative actions are reserved for particularly serious first-offense cases. For instance, if a person is convicted of a first DWI with a BAC of 0.16 or greater and had a minor in the vehicle at the time of the offense, the state could impound their license plates and that individual’s license could be revoked for a year.

How Our Lawyers Help Fight First-Time DUI Charges

Facing a first-time DUI may be stressful on your own, with significant legal and administrative consequences on the line. Our team of experienced defense attorneys at Knutson + Casey advocates for your rights and seeks the best possible outcome in your case. The following are ways we may help to mitigate or potentially dismiss first-time DUI penalties:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We will scrutinize the circumstances of your initial traffic stop. Law enforcement must have an official reason, or “reasonable suspicion,” to stop any driver. If this criterion isn’t met, the evidence gathered during the stop may potentially be suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case.
• Evaluating Testing Procedures: The accuracy and administration of breath, blood, or urine tests may significantly impact your case. We will examine whether these tests were conducted properly and challenge any procedural errors or inaccuracies in the testing equipment.
• Negotiating Lesser Charges: Depending on the specifics of your case, we may be able to negotiate lesser charges. This could result in reduced penalties, such as lower fines or alternative sentencing that may not include jail time.
• Representing You in Administrative Hearings: Alongside the criminal case, you’ll face administrative penalties concerning your driving privileges. We represent you in these hearings, advocating for the retention or restoration of your license and contesting any undue suspensions.
• Handling Aggravating Factors: If your case involves aggravating factors like a high BAC or the presence of a minor in the vehicle, we strategize to address these elements, aiming to mitigate their impact on your case.

The Knutson + Casey lawyers work tirelessly to protect your interests, handling all legal challenges of a first-time DUI offense. Our goal is to attain a favorable resolution that minimizes the negative consequences of your charge.

Contact Knutson + Casey to Help You Face First-Time DUI Charges

If you’re dealing with a first-time DUI in Minnesota, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. At Knutson + Casey, we understand the serious consequences that come with a DUI charge, including the impact on your driving privileges, finances, and even your freedom. With decades of experience, we’re here to defend your rights and work toward reducing or even dismissing the penalties you face.

We’ll guide you through every step, from challenging the traffic stop to negotiating for lesser penalties or alternative sentencing. Our team has a track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients, and we’re committed to building a solid defense for your case. Call us at (507) 344-8888 or visit our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.