Minnesota DUI Trials

Charges for driving under the influence (DUI), whether it occurred on a rural road or a busy interchange like on Interstate 494, are some of the most common legal situations in the North Star State. There are many legal complexities in Minnesota DUI trials as prosecutors work hard to prove that the defendant was driving under the influence at the time of arrest.

If you are facing DUI charges, a committed DUI attorney could handle the trial process for you and increase your chances of securing the best possible outcome.

What To Expect During DUI Trials

If a DUI case goes to trial in Minnesota courts, such as the Fourth Judicial District Adult DWI Court for repeat offenders, the process involves four key stages.

First Court Appearance

Also called an arraignment, this first appearance is when prosecutors present the case to the court, which will then decide when to release the suspect. Typically, first-time offenders without any aggravating factors in their case will be able to avoid bail.

The decision to release someone on bail and the bond size will depend on numerous factors, including:

• The person’s criminal history
• The severity of the current offense
• Whether the individual has failed to appear in court in the past

During this hearing, individuals will also plead either guilty or not guilty. Guilty pleas will lead directly to sentencing without a trial process.

State law allows attorneys to represent their clients during this hearing if the client is absent.

Pre-Trial

Before the actual DUI trial begins, there is a pre-trial stage. At this time, defense attorneys and prosecutors work to gather sufficient evidence to prove their legal arguments and have the opportunity to:

• File certain pre-trial motions
• Present any new updates to the judge
• Negotiate a plea bargain to avoid the trial process entirely

Defense attorneys may also be able to have all charges dismissed by requesting the suppression of evidence, especially in cases where a police officer is found not to have had reasonable suspicion before collecting the evidence.

Trial

If the case moves forward, defense attorneys and prosecutors will present their arguments in a trial. Throughout this phase, both parties could call witnesses and present different types of evidence to support their arguments.

Juries in DUI trials consist of six people for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses, while trials involving felony charges will involve 12 jurors.

Sentencing

Following the trial process, the court will either dismiss the case or convict the defendant. If the trial results in a conviction, defendants could face various penalties, depending on the degree of the DUI. Possible penalties include fines, jail or prison time, and revoked or suspended licenses.

A lawyer could further explain this process during an initial consultation to ensure you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities.

Why a Reliable Attorney Is Crucial

A Minnesota attorney is essential for helping individuals navigate DUI trials. This is because they have the knowledge and experience needed to advise someone on how to present themselves in court, collect evidence, build a case, and expedite the trial process when possible. They may also be able to appeal a conviction.

Without a lawyer, defendants risk making critical mistakes that could compromise their cases and result in serious penalties.

Work With an Experienced DUI Trials Attorney in Minnesota Today

Knowing more about how Minnesota DUI trials work can help you better understand what the process entails. An experienced attorney could determine the best approach to your case and increase your chances of successfully reducing charges or having your case dismissed.

Reach out to an attorney to schedule a consultation and determine what legal defenses you might have following a DUI arrest.