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In Minnesota, the legal drinking age is 21—meaning it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. Moreover, Minnesota has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drivers and alcohol. Any underage driver who is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
A DWI conviction carries significant penalties, especially for young drivers. With so much at stake, it is crucial to rely on the knowledge of a Bloomington underage DWI lawyer. Our seasoned DWI attorneys could review the case against you and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges. We will advocate for an outcome that minimizes the long-term impact of a conviction on your record and ability to drive in the future. Contact our office to discuss your options.
Alcohol is often a factor in fatal car accidents involving young drivers. For this reason, Minnesota has strict laws against underage drinking and driving. While it is reckless to engage in this behavior at any age, there are unique dangers for young drivers who are intoxicated as they lack experience behind the wheel. Under Minnesota law, underage drivers can face two types of DWI charges:
Underage drivers can be charged with a DWI if there is any amount of alcohol in their body while driving, meaning that they have a BAC over zero. A not-a-drop violation is a misdemeanor with:
Second-time offenders are subject to a 180-day license suspension and additional administrative penalties.
On the other hand, underage drivers 16 years old or older with a BAC over the legal limit of .08 will be charged as adults. For the first-time offense, they will be subject to the standard DWI penalties, including:
Additionally, young drivers can lose their insurance coverage or face increased premiums.
A skilled Bloomington defense lawyer could go into more detail about the potential penalties associated with an underage DWI charge.
While an underage DWI charge is serious, there are several defenses lawyers may use to help young drivers avoid the harsh penalties associated with a conviction. For instance, if there were issues with the chemical test, an attorney could argue that the results are inadmissible in court. Similarly, if the officer who conducted the traffic stop lacked probable cause to stop the driver, a legal professional could move to dismiss the case. In addition, DWI checkpoints are prohibited in Minnesota.
Oftentimes, a defense attorney will recommend a plea negotiation to avoid more serious charges. In a plea deal, the underage driver pleads guilty to a lesser offense, which can drastically reduce their sentence. If a case does not qualify for a dismissal or acquittal, a lawyer might recommend this course of action to avoid serious penalties like jail time, fines, or license revocation. A Bloomington underage DWI attorney could review the specific evidence and circumstances of a case to develop an effective defense strategy.
When you are under the age of 21 and charged with driving while intoxicated, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced Bloomington underage DWI lawyer. The impact of a DWI conviction can follow you for years and impact educational and job opportunities. Not to mention, young drivers convicted of DWIs are at risk of losing their driving privileges.
The attorneys at our firm will put our resources to the test. We have represented countless clients in DWI-related offenses. Whether this is your first offense or you are facing a second or third offense DWI, we could help. Our attorneys are trained to review the facts and circumstances of each case to develop an effective defense strategy based on your needs. To learn more about your options, call to schedule a consultation today.
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