Second-Offense DWI in Bloomington

Every year, thousands of drivers are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI)—oftentimes facing even harsher penalties for a second DWI offense. A DWI conviction can damage your reputation, impacting your living arrangements and work opportunities, and also cause you to lose your driver’s license.

An experienced defense lawyer could review the charges against you and mitigate the long-term consequences of a second-offense DWI in Bloomington. They could advise you of your rights, help develop a defense strategy, and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges. When you are arrested for a DWI-related crime, schedule a case evaluation with a Bloomington DWI attorney at our firm to discuss how we could help you defend against the charges.

Second-Offense DWI Charges

The legal alcohol concentration limit in Minnesota while driving is 0.08 for motorists, 0.04 for commercial drivers, and 0 for underage drivers. Those arrested for a second-offense DWI charge may face increased criminal and administrative penalties.

Criminal Penalties

A second-offense DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor, with criminal penalties of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

As a well-practiced lawyer could explain in detail, criminal penalties are often accompanied by administrative penalties.

Administrative Penalties

Potential administrative consequences for a second DWI include:

• BAC under 0.16: One-year loss of driving privileges, one year of an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license, or vehicle forfeiture
• BAC 0.16 or over: Two years of no driving privileges or two years of an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license, license plates impounded, or vehicle forfeiture
• Child in vehicle: Depending on BA, license plates impounded or vehicle forfeiture
• Refused Test: One-year loss of driving privileges, one year of an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license, or vehicle forfeiture

A knowledgeable Bloomington legal professional could discuss the different defense options for specific second-offense DWI convictions to reduce the penalties.

Impact of a Second-Offense DWI Conviction

While serious criminal and administrative penalties accompany a DWI conviction in Bloomington, those charged with a second offense will likely also face collateral consequences. The impact of a criminal charge can follow someone for years even if they are not convicted. For instance, if someone goes to jail for driving while intoxicated, they could lose their employment, and it could have an impact on their ability to obtain future jobs.

Likewise, it is difficult to secure housing after a DWI conviction as it will appear on a background check. Many professions, such as doctors, nurses, and lawyers, require professional licensing. A DWI conviction, especially a second offense, can mean the loss of their professional license. Lastly, a DWI can impact custody proceedings, especially subsequent offenses, as the court may determine that the children are at risk. An attorney skilled in DWI cases could look to the collateral consequences of a conviction and help navigate the difficult circumstances arising from them.

Speak With a Bloomington Attorney About a Second-Offense DWI Today

When you are facing a second-offense DWI in Bloomington, it is imperative to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney right away. Securing strong legal representation is important in any case, but it is particularly crucial with second-offense DWI because of the enhanced penalties.

When you consult a seasoned lawyer from our firm early on, they could develop a defense immediately and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop the charges entirely. Pleading to a lesser offense can often help you avoid the serious criminal and administrative penalties that accompany a second-offense DWI. Schedule a consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case today.