First-Time DWI Offenses Should Not Change Your Life
After a tough day at work, you figure happy hour might be a good way to end your day. You have had a few drinks and it is time to head home. You don’t feel drunk, so you start driving. After a couple of miles, you see red lights.
Things just got a lot more stressful. You’ve never had any drunk driving charges against you, but that is about to change. Your first call should be to Meaney & Patrin, P.A. They are the DWI guys, your experienced DWI/DUI-focused defenders.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, one out of every seven drivers has a DWI arrest. For 60 percent of those drivers, it was their first offense.
Even People With No Criminal History Face Serious Consequences
The charges are serious, even for first-time offenders. The changes might seem minor, but there are severe penalties. You need experienced counsel helping you.
First-time DWI/DUI offenders face:
- Possible jail time
- A fine plus court costs, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums
- Driver’s license revocation for a minimum of 30 days
- First-time offenders with blood alcohol content that is twice the legal limit (.16) will be required to use ignition interlock. It prevents your car from starting if you have been drinking
Field Sobriety Tests Are Not Required And They Can Be Used Against You
Minnesota has an implied consent law. Anyone who drives has already consented to breath, blood or urine tests. Those tests are required, but you can refuse field sobriety tests. Police must have a reasonable suspicion that you are driving under the influence to administer field sobriety tests.
If you refuse field sobriety tests, police can arrest you, and the chemical test will then be required. Regardless of what those tests reveal, field sobriety tests will make your case harder to win because there will be more evidence that can be used against you. Our attorneys advise you not to take the field sobriety tests. We will help you deal with the consequences.
Our Skilled Minnesota DWI Lawyers Can Defend Your Future
We understand how overwhelming DWI charges are. All cases are unique, and we cannot promise an outcome. We will work with you to challenge your charges and try to get them reduced or dismissed. Call our Minneapolis offices at 612-688-2299 or email us.