| hose accused of DWI or DUI in the state of Minnesota, | | | | have one on call, the police must furnish you with a |
| adequate and knowledgeable legal representation is a | | | | phone book so you can contact one. A first time |
| must. Laws governing traffic infractions that involve | | | | offense in Minnesota carries a fine up to $3,000, 90 |
| alcohol have become progressively more harsh over | | | | days in jail, potential loss of license, educational classes, |
| the past several decades, making for stiff fines and | | | | and more. A second conviction within 10 years is |
| penalties should one be convicted of the crime. Having | | | | considered a gross misdemeanor, and can carry |
| the right legal representation can be the difference | | | | significantly harsher penalties. |
| between a happy outcome on the one hand, or many | | | | Aggressive legal representation is important in |
| thousands of dollar in fines and expenses on the other. | | | | defending your rights in court. In many cases, the |
| A drunk driving conviction can have serious | | | | punishment can be argued down to a fraction of what |
| repercussions regarding your automobile insurance, | | | | you would have originally gotten by representing |
| permanent record, bank account, future employment | | | | yourself. Judges can be surprisingly flexible in this |
| opportunities, and other aspects of your life. Challenging | | | | respect. Presenting your case in the right way is a key |
| your case in court makes a lot of sense when | | | | component. |
| weighed against the option of simply pleading no | | | | More often than one might assume, police ineptitude |
| contest. The outcome depends on a variety of | | | | and negligence, such as mishandling evidence, violating |
| factors, such as the presiding judge, the arresting | | | | the defendants rights, and wrongful treatment can be |
| officer, intoxication level, the circumstances of the | | | | used to nullify the charges and have the case thrown |
| arrest, as well as other considerations. | | | | out entirely. Many simply accept that they are at fault |
| A competent and respected attorney will help you | | | | and that the only option is to pay up and accept the |
| case greatly. In most situations, representing yourself is | | | | conviction. There are situations where this is true, but |
| not the best option. For one thing, a deep and thorough | | | | they are rare. Adequate, comprehensive, and |
| understanding of state and local laws regarding DUI, as | | | | aggressive legal representation can be worth many |
| well as an intimate knowledge of courtroom tactics | | | | times its cost in saving you headache as well as |
| are integral to lessening or even completely avoiding | | | | money. |
| punishment. With competent representation, you may | | | | Anyone accused of driving while intoxicated has |
| be able to hold on to your license even in the event of | | | | absolutely nothing to lose in seeking out professional |
| a conviction. | | | | help. You will want an attorney that has a proven |
| For most states, including Minnesota, a person is | | | | track record, reliably delivering consistent results for |
| typically charged with DUI when their blood alcohol | | | | their clients. A DWI is a mark on a person's record that |
| content at or above .08%. However, one may be | | | | nobody wants. Doing your research and hiring an |
| charged with DWI even if their blood alcohol level is | | | | experienced legal professional can save much |
| below this threshold, dependent upon the | | | | inconvenience and aggravation in the long run. |
| circumstances at the time of the arrest. One special | | | | The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is |
| difference between Minnesota and most other states | | | | it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an |
| is that you have the right to speak with an attorney | | | | attorney for individual advice regarding your own |
| prior to taking a breathalyser or blood test. If you don't | | | | situation. |