Facing criminal charges can change your life in multiple ways. In addition to the necessary defense you will present, you may find that your arrest impacts your reputation, your career and much more. This is also true of a drunk driving arrest, whether it is your first offense or you have previous DWIs on your record. In Minnesota, the consequences of drunk driving are significant, and they have the potential to change your life if convicted.
If you face arrest for drunk driving, it will be helpful to know what to expect next. This understanding could help you prepare an effective defense strategy that will allow you to confront the case against you and pursue the best possible outcome. Regardless of the details of your specific drunk driving case or your criminal history, you have the right to fight a DWI and seek to minimize the penalties you are facing.
After the traffic stop
Police must have a valid reason to initiate a traffic stop. Valid reasons to pull a driver over include swerving, driving at erratic speeds and more. After stopping a driver, police may perform certain types of tests to gauge levels of potential intoxication, called field sobriety tests. If you fail these tests, police may then have you submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content. With a BAC of .08% or higher, an officer could arrest you and charge you with a DWI.
After an arrest
If arrested, you could lose your driving privileges. You may also face repercussions that could include time behind bars, expensive fines and more. A DWI could also affect your employment opportunities, as well as your reputation in your career field. It is possible that a DWI could impact college applications, scholarship opportunities, housing applications, child custody cases and more. It is in your interests to take your situation seriously and defend yourself against these charges.
Building an effective defense
The ideal defense strategy for your situation depends on details that are specific to your case, such as your criminal record, your BAC at the time of the traffic stop, conduct of the police who pulled you over and more. A careful evaluation of your case will help you understand what options you have regarding your defense. There is a lot at stake for you when facing DWI charges, but you do not have to handle them alone.
