Frequently Asked Questions in Minnesota DWI/DUI/Impaired & Drunk Driving Cases

Alcohol affects every person differently. The amount of time a person needs to wait between consuming alcohol and driving depends on many factors. A driver’s impairment by alcohol can be influenced by physical factors such as age, metabolism, stress, hormones, fever, or even some medical conditions. A driver’s impairment by alcohol can also be influenced by circumstances such as a person’s stomach contents, rate at which they consumed alcohol, and percentage of alcohol in each beverage.

Since there are so many variables outside of a person’s control that may result in a DWI arrest, the best way to prevent a possible DWI is always to plan for a sober ride. However, if you find yourself arrested or charged with DWI, a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for you in court.

There’s not a universal hard-and-fast fine for a DWI in Minnesota. Nevertheless, the financial costs of a DWI charge can add up quickly, especially when you don’t have a professional to help you navigate the process and avoid inflated costs.

Depending on the exact circumstances of the incident, DWIs in Minnesota can be charged at either the Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor, or Felony level. A Misdemeanor Fourth Degree DWI involves a maximum fine of $1,000. A Gross Misdemeanor Third or Second Degree DWI involves a maximum fine of $3,000, and a Felony First Degree DWI carries a maximum fine of $14,000.

Beyond the criminal fines, a DWI incident can also lead to other less-obvious costs which can be just as painful as the fine. If a DWI incident resulted in the revocation of your driving privileges, you’ll need to pay a $680 license reinstatement fee before you can drive again. You may also be required to pay a fee for new license plates. You may also be required to participate in an Ignition Interlock program in order to drive, which can further significantly increase costs. Increased insurance costs can also occur following an alcohol-related driving incident.

Hiring a knowledgeable DWI attorney can help you minimize the costs of a DWI charge. The experienced attorneys at Halberg Criminal Defense can help you fight your charges to avoid or reduce any criminal fines, and can help you navigate the sometimes hidden and confusing costs associated with losing your driving privileges. Call 612-333-3673 to talk to an attorney and learn more about to navigate and minimize the financial impacts of a DWI charge.

While it is legal for you to record interactions with police under most circumstances, personal recordings of law enforcement are not always necessary. This is because most police departments wear body-worn cameras that record their interactions with the public.

However, if you choose to record the interaction, as long as you are not interfering with law enforcement’s duties and you are in a location where your presence is lawful, you have a right to record your interaction. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin have adopted what are called “one party consent” laws for audio and video recording. This means that, even without the consent of law enforcement, you can be considered the consenting party and lawfully record your interaction. However, if your recording of law enforcement is hindering their ability to do their job, you could face additional charges for obstructing the legal process.

If you find yourself charged with a crime or have questions about an interaction you had with law enforcement, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you. Call us at 612-DEFENSE (612-333-3673).