Guide for DWI Arrests in Minnesota:

In addition to criminal penalties, DWI carries administrative (or civil) penalties. Because of the implied consent laws, a driver may be subject to these penalties EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT CONVICTED of a crime unless they TAKE PROMPT ACTION to prevent license revocation.

Ignition interlock is a blood alcohol measurement machine that can be installed in one’s vehicle. The driver blows into the machine in order to start the vehicle and periodically while driving. The car will not start if alcohol is detected. Although there is a cost to use the program, ignition interlock gives those with revoked licenses an option to drive sooner than they otherwise might.

The information above pertains to typical fourth-degree misdemeanor DWI (BAC level under 0.16) or third-degree gross misdemeanor DWI (BAC level at or over 0.16) with no additional aggravating factors. Each case is unique, and you should speak with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for individualized advice.

Other factors that could significantly impact your case include having a minor in the car, being a minor yourself, or getting a DWI while being in an accident. If, for example, there were a child in the vehicle when the DWI arrest took place, your penalty may be considered a gross misdemeanor and maximum jail time can increase from 90 days to one year, with the fine being tripled.

A person under the age of 21 who is convicted of a first DWI risks having their license revoked for a period of at least 180 days (one year if they are at or over 0.16).

Other factors that may elevate the crime could include driving with an open container, possession of drugs or a firearm, driving on a suspended license, and being involved in an accident. Accidents resulting in injury or death may turn even a first-time DWI into a felony.

Ignition interlock is a blood alcohol measurement machine that can be installed in one’s vehicle. The driver blows into the machine in order to start the vehicle and periodically while driving. The car will not start if alcohol is detected. Although there is a cost to use the program, ignition interlock gives those with revoked licenses an option to drive sooner than they otherwise might. If you have been charged with a second DWI, speak to your defense attorney about whether ignition interlock may help you keep your license.

Many factors may significantly impact your case, including past criminal history and past DWI convictions. Other factors that may elevate the crime could include driving with an open container, possession of drugs or a firearm, driving on a suspended license, having a minor in the car, being a minor, and/or being involved in an accident. Accidents resulting in injury or death may turn a DWI into a felony.

In addition to criminal penalties, DWI carries administrative (or civil) penalties. Because of the implied consent laws, a driver may be subject to these penalties EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT CONVICTED of a crime unless they take prompt action to prevent license revocation. While the maximum criminal penalties for a second DWI do not vary based on whether your BAC is at or over 0.16, the administrative sanctions are more severe if you test at twice the legal limit or higher. This means you may lose your license for a longer period of time after a second DWI conviction.

In addition to criminal penalties, DWI carries administrative (or civil) penalties. Because of the implied consent laws, a driver may be subject to these penalties EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT CONVICTED of a crime unless they take prompt action to prevent license revocation, and in the case of a third DWI and some first or second DWIs, vehicle forfeiture.

Even if you or a loved one dealt with a second-DWI conviction in the past, this all may seem overwhelming and new. That is because a lot of the penalties associated with a third DWI are different, and can be, frankly, quite scary. Some of the terms and consequences you may be unfamiliar with are described below.

If you are convicted of a second-degree (i.e. third-offense) DWI, or you fail or refuse a test, your driver’s license will be canceled as “inimical to public safety.” Inimical means “tending to obstruct or harm” and the phrase refers to licenses that will never be reinstated unless specific provisions are met. In Minnesota, strict rehabilitation requirements are required (see below), in addition to long waiting periods and hefty reinstatement fees.

It is also important to note that a license is revoked (or in this case canceled) upon certification from a peace officer that there existed probable cause to believe a person had been driving, operating, or was in physical control of a motor vehicle in violation of Minnesota’s DWI law and that the driver either failed or refused a blood alcohol concentration test.

The cancellation period for a driver with two qualified prior impaired driving incidents within the past ten years is for a period of not less than three years. The cancellation is not necessarily contingent on a conviction. You must file a Petition for Judicial Review within 60 days of the alleged DWI to preserve your right to contest the license revocation/ cancellation. If you don’t, you could lose your license for three years even if you are found not guilty!