Rochester DWI/DUI Attorney

Rochester, Minnesota DWI Defense Attorney

Police officers in Rochester and the neighboring areas are always on the lookout for drivers exhibiting signs of intoxication. An officer who sees a person swerving, making sudden stops, or driving too slowly may pull them over and ask them to submit to a breathalyzer or other field sobriety test. If the individual has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they may be arrested on DWI charges.

For many drivers, a DUI or DWI arrest may be their first encounter with Minnesota’s criminal justice system. This conviction may result in a license suspension, among other serious consequences that may impact your daily life. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Rochester, you need a highly-qualified DWI defense attorney in your corner. The experienced DWI lawyers at Knutson + Casey are committed to being fierce advocates for their client’s rights so that one mistake or misunderstanding does not impact their futures.

Factors That May Affect Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Many individuals use strategies such as counting drinks to try and estimate their BAC and avoid going over the legal limit. However, it is vital to note that there are significant variables that may influence your BAC. A few elements that may affect your BAC levels include:

• Your Weight: Due to how alcohol is metabolized in the body, an individual with a lower body weight may be more impaired than a heavier person who has imbibed the same number of drinks.
• The Types of Drinks You Consume: Carbonated drinks like hard seltzer or champagne can increase the alcohol’s absorption rate in your bloodstream. On the other hand, drinks with fruit juice may slow the rate of absorption.
• The Amount of Food You Have Eaten: Drinking on an empty stomach can result in a higher BAC. When going out, keep in mind that food can help slow down the rate of alcohol absorption. 
• Your Medications: Many prescription medications can cause your body to react differently to alcohol. Certain medications may cause your BAC to rise more rapidly than it would normally.

Employing strategies such as double-checking your medication and ensuring that you eat before drinking can help you mitigate the effects alcohol has on your mind and body. However, it is essential to note that the safest way to prevent a DWI or DUI arrest is to never drive after consuming alcohol. 

Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Minnesota

Driving while impaired is taken seriously in Minnesota, and even a first-time conviction can carry severe penalties. Many convicted individuals may continue to feel the effects long after serving their sentence. Some consequences you may face for a DWI or DUI conviction include: 

• Jail or prison time
• Steep fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• A mandatory ignition lock device

The penalties you face may increase significantly if you have prior convictions or if any aggravating factors impact your case. Driving with a suspended license or driving with a minor in the vehicle are considered aggravating factors and may escalate the charges and penalties you could face. Since the stakes for conviction are high, it is essential to contact a trusted DWI/DUI attorney as soon as possible. When you partner with Knutson + Casey, your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and help you fight the charges you face.

Possible Rochester DWI/DUI Defense Strategies

Fortunately, anyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty, and you have the legal right to fight your charges. The skilled DWI defense lawyers at Knutson + Casey are well versed in several defense strategies to erode the prosecutor’s case against you. Some strategies your lawyer may employ include:

• The stop was unlawful
• The field sobriety test was unreliable
• The breathalyzer test was inaccurate
• You were not driving the vehicle
• Your BAC was lower than the legal limit while you were driving
• You were not read your Miranda rights

Your lawyer will work with you to understand every detail of your case to determine which strategies apply to your situation. Our Rochester DWI lawyers take a personalized approach to every case, so you can rest assured that your defense is being tailored to the unique circumstances surrounding your case.

Contact a Highly-Qualified Rochester DWI/DUI Defense Attorney at Knutson + Casey

You do not have to fight your charges alone if you have been arrested for a DWI or DUI in Rochester. The skilled legal team at Knutson + Casey is committed to protecting the rights of the accused in Rochester and across southern Minnesota. Our Rochester DWI defense attorneys have helped thousands of clients and will be fierce advocates for your rights and interests through every step of your case to help ensure the best possible outcome. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that your case is in caring and experienced hands. To learn more about how our skilled legal team can help you, call us at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form today.