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When you are charged with your third DWI, the consequences can be severe. Prosecutors and the court will often seek the harshest penalties possible for third and subsequent DWIs. With so much at stake, it is crucial for you to retain a trusted DWI attorney.
Our skilled defense attorneys could review the evidence against you and advise you of the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of your third-time DWI in Bloomington. We understand what is at stake if you are convicted of a third DWI and will do our best to mitigate the harsh penalties and help you keep your license. However, if your license has been revoked, an attorney may be able to argue for limited reinstatement. Discuss your options with one of our dedicated legal professionals today.
In Bloomington, a person may be charged with a DWI for driving while intoxicated. The legal limit for motorists over the age of 21 is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). However, certain drivers are subject to stricter standards. Commercial drivers, for instance, have a BAC limit of 0.04 percent. Likewise, underage drivers can be charged with a DWI for a BAC over 0 percent.
When a driver is stopped for a suspected DWI, the officer will conduct a field sobriety test or ask the driver to submit to a chemical test. Drivers who refuse the chemical test may face additional charges. Drivers arrested for a third DWI within a ten year timeframe will be charged with a gross misdemeanor.
The penalties associated with getting a third DWI in Bloomington are strict. After someone is convicted, the court will impose criminal penalties based on the facts and circumstances of the offense. The court will assess the driver’s prior offenses for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For third-time DWIs, the maximum penalty is one year in jail and up to $3,000 in fines. However, the judge must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of ninety days in jail for third-time offenders. While the judge has some discretion, prosecutors do not treat these charges lightly. Many courts will require the defendant to refrain from alcohol consumption or submit to electronic alcohol monitoring.
In addition to the harsh criminal consequences associated with a third-time DWI, Bloomington drivers also face administrative sanctions for their conduct. These penalties are imposed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as opposed to the court system.
Those charged with their third DWI within ten years may have their license revoked for up to three years. In some cases, drivers may be granted a provisional license which allows them to drive with an ignition interlock device. Drivers may also be asked to surrender their license plates to the DMV for any vehicle registered in their name. Lastly, the police may seize a vehicle if the prosecutor serves a notice of forfeiture.
When you are charged with a third-time DWI in Bloomington, it is crucial that you obtain adequate legal representation. With every charge for driving under the influence within a ten year timeframe, the consequences become more severe. A DWI conviction can impact nearly every facet of your life, even though it is only a misdemeanor. Convictions often make it difficult to secure jobs or housing. Moreover, people also suffer significant damage to their reputations.
A skilled DWI attorney from our firm could help by reviewing the charges against you and mitigating the potential consequences. We understand how much is at stake and want to help you avoid consequences like jail time, license revocation, and plate impoundment. To schedule a case evaluation, contact our office today.