Bloomington Felony DWI Lawyer

When you are charged with a felony for driving while intoxicated (DWI) due to alcohol or a controlled substance in Minnesota, it is crucial to act promptly. Minnesota law recognizes four levels of impaired driving, with only one being a felony that carries the harshest penalties.

The law adheres to objective guidelines; if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher or if the arresting officer observes behavior consistent with intoxicated driving, your freedom is at stake. Contact a Bloomington felony DWI lawyer at your earliest convenience. Our team of experienced DWI defense attorneys could help you build a strong case.

Understanding a Felony DWI

Minnesota classifies simple DWI with no extenuating circumstances as a level four misdemeanor. This type of DWI can result in penalties that significantly impact the driver’s daily life. Examples include causing an accident with injuries or being stopped with a BAC exceeding 0.16. The consequences are not to be taken lightly.

However, a felony DWI has much more severe penalties and consequences. DWI is charged as a felony under Minnesota Statutes § 169A.24 if the following are true:

•  The driver has a previous felony DWI
• The driver has been convicted in the past of criminal vehicular homicide
• Over the past 10 years, the driver has earned three or more qualified impaired driving charges
• The driver has related felony convictions in Minnesota or another state

A knowledgeable defense lawyer could listen to the circumstances surrounding a client’s arrest and determine a strategy to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor. Call a Bloomington felony DWI attorney at BK Law Group to discuss how to achieve the best outcome.

Penalties for First-Degree Felony DWI

The penalties and consequences for felony DWI are harsh. Those convicted can be incarcerated for up to seven years, subject to a fine of up to $14,000, or both. According to Minnesota Statutes § 169A.276, the minimum sentence for incarceration is three years.

Along with a driver’s license suspension, a conviction can also subject a person to five years of conditional release after serving the minimum in prison. They may also be required to attend intensive counseling for substance abuse. If the individual caused catastrophic injury or death to another, the charges are upgraded accordingly.

Additionally, a felony conviction can impact job choices. Family relations can become strained, and in the event of a divorce, a spouse can use the felony conviction in child custody matters.

Loans, including mortgages, are more challenging to obtain, and if the accused is young, student loans and scholarships become inaccessible. Voting and gun ownership are no longer a convicted felon’s right. To manage the fallout from being accused of a felony DWI and to fight to restore your life, contact a Bloomington defense lawyer now.

Defenses to Felony DWI

Those accused of felony DWI have the right to present a credible defense. We consider all aspects that can exonerate a client or reduce the charges, including the following:

• They were not under the influence
• They have diabetes, and the symptoms mimic DWI
• No injuries occurred in the accident
• The accused does not have a criminal record

Police also violate drivers’ rights by conducting illegal searches and seizures or failing to administer Miranda rights, which could come into play for a defense strategy. Contact a felony DWI lawyer in Bloomington to explore a full range of defenses.

Call a Bloomington Felony DWI Attorney to Advocate for You

Felony DWI charges are life-changing, and we are standing by to mitigate the damage a conviction can cause. Allow us to intervene and work towards lowering your penalties.

Our Bloomington felony DWI lawyers at BK Law Group are committed to fighting for you. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation.