Drivers charged and convicted of drunk driving could face a range of penalties that may include time behind bars, expensive fines and more. However, in Minnesota, drivers may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles as well. This is a small device that requires a driver to breathe into the apparatus to measure the driver’s blood alcohol content before he or she can operate the vehicle. A driver may be required to have an ignition interlock device for an extended period.
Strong DWI laws
Even a first-time DWI offender may be required to have an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle. If a driver had a BAC of twice the legal limit of .08 or higher, one penalty the driver will face is the required installation of one of these devices. A second DWI offense could result in this requirement for one to two years. The term of this specific penalty depends on the nature of the individual offense.
If a Minnesota driver has three or more DWI offenses within a 10-year period, he or she will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed for a period of three to six years. If they fail to do so, they will never have driving privileges again. Interlock devices are designed to be tamper-proof, and drivers cannot circumvent them.
Seeking the best outcome in a DWI case
If a driver is facing DWI charges, he or she will benefit from taking immediate action to preserve his or her interests. Through a strong defense strategy, it may be possible to fight the charges one is facing and seek the best possible outcome to a case. It will be helpful to seek the guidance of an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
