Minneapolis Felony DUI Lawyer | First Degree DUI Offense

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a severe criminal offense, and when specific circumstances are present, it can be a felony. An arrest can have severe and lasting consequences. Therefore, preparing a sound defense strategy to fight the charges is essential.

A seasoned drunk driving attorney could help you understand your legal rights and build a solid defense strategy to help you reach the best potential outcome. Call a hard-working Minneapolis felony DUI lawyer today and schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.

Driving While Impaired in the First Degree

First-degree driving while impaired is the most serious DUI offense in the state. Under Minnesota Statutes § 169A.24, anyone stopped and charged with driving a vehicle while drunk will face a felony offense if they have a prior DWI felony conviction or a prior conviction for criminal vehicular homicide or injuries on their permanent record. A person with three or more previous DWI convictions in the last 10 years could also face felony charges under the statute. Other consequences include the following:

Fines and Imprisonment

The state prosecutes intoxicated drivers harshly, and when the circumstances elevate the charge to a felony, the punishment could include up to $14,000 in fines and seven years of imprisonment.

Civil Consequences

Individuals facing charges for impaired driving in the state will receive notice of a driver’s license suspension. However, they can try to prevent the state from taking their license at a civil hearing. A qualified Minneapolis felony DUI attorney could provide representation during the criminal trial and civil hearing to help reach the best potential outcome.

Ignition Interlock Devices

The state’s ignition interlock device (IID) program requires certain drivers convicted of driving while drunk to install the breathalyzer device in their car and test it before starting the ignition. The IID measures a person’s BAC level and prevents the vehicle from starting if it tests 0.02 percent or higher. People with multiple drinking and driving offenses and drivers with a BAC of 0.16 percent or more must install the device for a specified period.

Possible Defense Strategies

There is no way to know which strategy is best without considering the case’s specifics. However, some of the possible defense strategies to overcome DWI charges include:

Inaccurate breathalyzer testing
Unlawful traffic stop or arrest if there is no evidence of probable cause
The alleged defendant was not driving the vehicle at the time the police officers approached the car

Selecting the correct defense strategy requires the help of a felony DUI lawyer in Minneapolis, who could review a case and determine the best strategy.

Contact a Qualified Felony DUI Attorney in Minneapolis

Facing criminal charges, particularly when it could result in a felony, is an understandably stressful time. A felony DWI can have lasting adverse consequences on your life.

While the aftermath of the arrest leading up to trial can often feel overwhelming, the most effective way to reach the potential outcome is by starting to prepare your defense immediately. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Minneapolis felony DUI lawyer.