If a Minnesota police officer has pulled you over and asked you to take a field sobriety test, you can logically assume that he or she is trying to establish probable cause to make a drunk driving arrest. You’re not obligated to take a sobriety test during a traffic stop. Declining does not protect you from police custody, however, because police might establish cause in other ways, as well. When an individual winds up facing DUI charges, it is typically best to fight them.
After the police arrest you and (most likely) take you to a county jail, the court will schedule your arraignment. This is a court hearing where the judge overseeing your case states the charges against you and asks you to enter a plea. It may be in your best interest to plead not guilty to DUI.
Penalties increase for multiple DUI convictions
On a first offense, it is beneficial to try to fight DUI charges. In Minnesota, penalties under conviction for drunk driving increase with each subsequent offense. If you’re convicted for a first offense, you might spend time in jail, and the court may prohibit you from driving for up to one year. A conviction may spark financial distress, as well. Once you add up court fees, fines and premium increases on your auto insurance, you’re potentially going to owe tens of thousands of dollars.
With a second DUI conviction, penalties will no doubt include a court order to install an interlock ignition device on your vehicle, which prevents your car from starting unless you register negative for alcohol on a breath test device attached to your ignition column. Additional convictions might mean that you will lose your driver’s license permanently.
The sooner the better, when developing a defense strategy
If you can mitigate your circumstances following a first-offense DUI arrest in Minnesota, it can help prevent more stringent penalties in the future, should you incur a second or third conviction down the line. Having a strong support network in place is key to achieving a positive outcome in court.
If you’re not sure of your rights or the potential penalties for the exact DUI charges filed against you, it’s always best to seek guidance. Making informed decisions is a way to maintain a certain amount of control over the situation.
