Minneapolis Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Traffic offenses are common and many result in small fines. However, a DUI charge in Minnesota can result in criminal charges and serious penalties. Being accused of driving under the influence can be overwhelming. If you have been charged with a DWI, a Minneapolis aggravated DUI lawyer could help.

An experienced attorney understands Minnesota DWI laws and could help you navigate your aggravated DWI case. By utilizing their knowledge of the relevant laws and procedures, a lawyer could create a personalized defense strategy and help fight the charges against you.

DUI vs. DWI

Driving while impaired (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are both used to describe the act of driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Under Minnesota law, these offenses are officially referred to as DWIs. A person may be charged with a DWI if they are driving under the influence of alcohol, a Schedule I or II drug, or another intoxicating substance.

Individuals are considered intoxicated when they have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. However, for drugs, there must only be a detectable amount in the system. This means if the arresting officer has probable cause to believe you are impaired, you may be charged with a DWI.

Types of DUI Charges

In Minnesota, there are 4 degrees of DWI offense. The degree represents the seriousness of the charge and the presence of aggravating factors. The higher the degree, the more severe penalties.

The degrees of DWI include:

Fourth Degree

A fourth-degree DWI is a misdemeanor involving no aggravating factors.

Third Degree

A third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor. This means that there is at least one aggravating factor.

Second Degree

A second-degree DWI is also a gross misdemeanor. In this case, there would need to be two or more aggravating factors.

First Degree

A first-degree DWI is a felony charge. A person may be charged with first-degree DWI if it’s their fourth DWI conviction or revocation, they were previously convicted of felony DWI, or they committed another criminal vehicular act, like homicide.

A Minneapolis, a knowledgeable aggravated DUI attorney could review the circumstances of your case, explain the charges and potential penalties, and help formulate a strategic defense.

What are Aggravating Factors?

Several scenarios may be considered aggravating factors in a Minneapolis DWI case. For example, if a person has a BAC of .16 or higher, this can raise the degree of the DWI charged.

Other aggravating factors can include prior DUI convictions, the presence of a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the vehicle, or another criminal vehicular act.

Penalties for an Aggravated DWI

An aggravated DUI in Minneapolis can lead to several criminal and administrative penalties. When a person is charged with a DWI, it is vital that they understand the implications of these charges.

Depending on the degree of the aggravated DWI charge, a conviction may mean anywhere from one year in jail to seven years in prison. It can also result in thousands of dollars in fines. Criminal records also have negative implications on obtaining housing, getting employed, and maintaining personal relationships.

Additionally, there are several administrative penalties. A charge can result in immediate revocation of the person’s driver’s license, impounding of the vehicle’s license plate, and vehicle forfeiture.

Contact a Minneapolis Aggravated DWI Attorney Today

An aggravated DUI charge can have serious implications. You may lose your license and your vehicle, as well as face financial penalties and jail time. The consequences of a DWI conviction do not end there. It can also alter the course of your life and future.

An experienced Minneapolis aggravated DUI lawyer understands how to defend against these charges and could create a personalized strategy for your case. Call our firm today to discuss your legal options.