Expert Criminal Defense
for DUI, DWI, Refusal, Criminal Vehicular Operation and Traffic Offenses.
DWI/DUI offenses are viewed very seriously by Minnesota Courts. It is imperative to have professional, knowledgeable legal counsel who is familiar with the law, the prosecutors and the judges. Jennifer Speas is a skilled trial lawyer with the knowledge and over 15 years experience to handle your criminal matter.
DUI/DWI Overview
The legal limit in Minnesota for driving drunk is .08 and above. You could face misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony charges depending on your blood alcohol level and your previous record. In Minnesota it is a crime to refuse a blood alcohol test.
There are both civil consequences and criminal consequences to every alcohol related driving offense. The criminal consequences include jail, probation, chemical dependency evaluations, chemical treatment, community work service, sentence to service, home monitoring and DUI education classes.
The civil consequences for an alcohol related driving offense may include license revocation or cancellation, plate impoundment, and vehicle forfeiture.
It is important to know that you have a limited time to decide whether to fight the civil consequences – 30 days. Even though you may not have received a criminal complaint the clock will be ticking for your deadline to fight license revocation, cancellation and vehicle forfeiture.
Criminal Defense for Drunk Driving
/ DWI / DUI and Traffic
Charges in the Twin Cities
Frequently Asked DWI / DUI Defense Questions:
There are 30-day, 90-day, 180-day and longer possible revocation periods. The individual person’s driving record will affect the length of revocation.
It is best to call the Department of Public Safety at 651-296-2025 to ask when you are eligible to get the most accurate information for your circumstance.
Generally, you will be required to have “W” or “whisky” plates for one year.
Usually bringing the police report into the DMV to show that the owner of the vehicle was NOT the one driving will allow the DMV to return the normal plates back to the owner. This will only work if the owner does not live at the same address as the driver.
You are most likely charged with DWI (driving with a blood alcohol over .08) and DUI (driving while under the influence) and a traffic offense.
You, or your attorney, must file a Petition for Judicial Review within 30 days of this Notice or you lose the right to challenge your license revocation.
Once the test results are returned to the police department they will send the report to the city or county attorney and you will be officially charged. You should receive a Summons & Complaint in the mail with a court date at that time.
You will also receive a notice from the Department of Public Safety indicating when your license will be revoked after the official results are forwarded to them. It is a good idea to check the Department of Public Safety often to make sure when your license is revoked. You can check this online at: www.mndriveinfo.org
No. A DWI does carry jail time and one of the consequences; however, sentences are negotiated with the prosecutors and decided by the judge.
Minnesota only has the authority to revoke your privileges to drive in Minnesota. You will need to complete all of the necessary requirements in order to drive again in Minnesota. Whether the state which you have your drivers license in will revoke you as well based of this offense will be up to that state. It is possible, and likely, that you will need to complete that state’s requirements in addition to Minnesota’s.
If it wasn’t forfeited, but only towed because there was no one to drive it, you can go get it at any time while your license is still valid and if you have proof of insurance.
You, or the vehicle owner, must contest the forfeiture. You have 30 days from the date of forfeiture to request judicial determination, otherwise your car is gone forever.
