Receiving DUI charges is often an overwhelming experience. With the potential penalties and impact on your future, you may wonder if you can get these charges expunged. Depending on the level of your charges and with the help of an experienced lawyer, you may get DUI charges removed from your record. At Knutson + Casey, we develop a customized plan for your specific needs to give you a better chance of a successful outcome.
With over 30 years of experience providing unmatched legal services to the Mankato area, we understand the anxiety that comes with DUI charges. Therefore, we fight tirelessly to give you a stress-free legal experience from start to finish. Due to the complex nature of these cases, contacting a knowledgeable lawyer right away is one of the most important steps in getting your charges expunged. Our Mankato DUI expungement attorneys understand the legal process may be confusing, so we are here to keep you informed and answer your questions.
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Your ability to get your charges expunged depends on the level of charge you received. Minnesota law has the following four degrees of DUI offenses:
This charge is considered a misdemeanor, so first-time offenders with BAC under 0.16% often receive this charge. A judge may expunge a fourth-degree DUI two years after the discharge of your sentence under the condition that you have remained an upstanding citizen throughout these two years.
This is a more serious offense, as it is considered a gross misdemeanor. First-time offenders with a BAC over 0.16% or those with another DUI charge within the last ten years often receive this type of charge. You may get this level of DUI expunged four years after the court discharges your sentence.
Like a third-degree DUI, this charge is also a gross misdemeanor offense and may be expunged four years after your sentence gets discharged. However, this charge is more severe and may be more challenging to get removed from your record.
A first-degree DUI is considered a felony offense. As this is the most serious DUI charge, Minnesota law does not allow first-degree DUIs to be expunged.
To get your DUI charges removed from your record, the judge has to review several aspects of your case, charges, and character before making their decision. Typically, the court considers the following factors when deciding to expunge your charges:
Minnesota Statute Section 609A.03 states that the court should grant expungement unless the dangers to the public outweigh the disadvantages the charges have on you. Because DUI charges may make it difficult to find a job or housing, you deserve representation that will present solid evidence that proves you are a law-abiding, upstanding citizen and present no threat to the public.
The process of seeking an expungement may be confusing, so you weaken your chances of achieving a successful outcome if you handle your case alone. Our professional lawyers understand the complications of the expungement process and are prepared to help you manage every aspect of your case, including the following:
Achieving an expungement may be challenging, but our lawyers are prepared to take on any case, regardless of the circumstances. During your free consultation, we listen to your story and document important information. Then, our Mankato DUI expungement attorneys work on building a solid case that will increase your chance of getting these charges removed, so you may more actively participate in your community.
Having DUI charges on your record may impact your ability to find a job, get housing, and live a free life. If you have taken action to improve yourself and become a law-abiding citizen since your charges, you deserve the opportunity to get your DUI expunged with the help of a highly qualified attorney. Our legal team at Knutson + Casey has helped thousands of clients over the last three decades, so rely on us to handle your case effectively.
We understand the stress of DUI charges, so we strive to make the legal process as straightforward as possible. Our innovative approach involves big firm power with a small firm focus. We assign one Mankato DUI expungement lawyer to work with you throughout your entire case, so you can trust us to manage your case with the utmost detail and produce outstanding results. To get started, fill out our contact form or call (507) 344-8888 to schedule a free consultation.