After you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, wheels of the law start turning immediately. It’s important to be informed, or else the only wheels you’ll be turning could be on a bicycle.
So how does a DWI affect your life on the road? After you fail – or refuse – a Breathalyzer or other blood alcohol test, your license can be revoked immediately. It takes seven days for the license withdrawal to go into effect, so you’ll be issued a temporary license to use for a week.
After that? It depends on the severity of the offense. In addition to any criminal penalties you may incur, the law mandates license withdrawal periods. These range from 90 days to a first-time offender with no aggravating factors to indefinite for three offenses within a ten-year period.
Depending on number of offenses and aggravating factors, you may also lose your license plates – and possibly even your vehicle.
The one common theme? In Minnesota, a record of your DWI stays on your driving record permanently.
Bottom line: after a DWI, the road can get rocky. Seek the advice of an expert attorney to help you navigate.
Source: Cleary, J. and Pirius, R. An Overview of Minnesota’s DWI Laws. Research Department: Minnesota House of Representatives.
