Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Minnesota
Also called Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Drunk Driving
Laws found in Chapter 169A of Minnesota Statutes
Minnesota DWI Attorney Jesse Hall
Jesse Hall is an extremely experienced DWI / DUI attorney. As a lawyer he has had numerous cases involving alcohol, drugs and narcotics (both legal and illegal), and any combination of these or other substances alleged by the government to impair a person’s ability to drive. Jesse Hall as an attorney is keenly aware of the legal requirements for the government to convict a person for DWI / DUI, and Jesse Hall’s experience as a lawyer in general and specifically as a lawyer who has represented numerous DWI / DUI client has the knowledge necessary to zealously advocate your case and any legal defenses that may be available to you.
Minnesota DWI / DUI Offenses (generally)
Generally speaking, to commit the crime of DWI / DUI in Minnesota, a person must be in control of a vehicle. Then, while in control of a vehicle, the person must also (a) be “under the influence of” alcohol, drugs, or some other hazardous substance (or “a combination of any two or more” of these elements); (b) have a alcohol concentration level that is over the legal limit (generally this is going to be 0.08); or (c) have any “any amount of a controlled substance” listed as either a Schedule I or a Schedule II narcotic.
To be guilty of DWI / DUI, you cannot be solely a passenger in the vehicle. However, being in physical control of a vehicle could mean you had possession of, access to, or control of a key to the ignition of the vehicle. Also, simply because a vehicle is not started or running does not mean a person is not operating it. Having the vehicle’s ignition key and ignition within reach such that a person could start the vehicle may still be determined to be “physical control” of the vehicle in question.
“Motor Vehicles” in Minnesota
“Motor Vehicles” can include “every vehicle that is self-propelled and every vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires. The term includes motor boats in operation and off-road recreational vehicles, but does not include a vehicle moved solely by human power.” This could include, then, standard cars and trucks generally driven on the streets and highways in Minnesota. It could also include motorcycles, commercial vehicles, boats and other watercrafts (like waverunners and jet skis), off-road vehicles (like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, “quads” or “quad bikes,” or motocross or other off-road motorbikes or motorcycles), etc.
Alcohol Concentration and “Over the Limit” in Minnesota
A person’s “alcohol concentration” limit in Minnesota is currently 0.08 grams of alcohol per one hundred (100) milliliters of blood. This is a reduction from the previous level of 0.10 (existing prior to law change in 2005). Additionally, under certain circumstances the legal limit may be reduced under Minnesota law. For example, the driver of a commercial motor vehicle is currently limited to 0.04. Also, certain additional restrictions may apply under other special circumstances including but not limited to an absolute prohibition on any alcohol concentration at the time of the operation or within two (2) hours of the time of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the vehicle – with exception, and certain defenses may apply.
Under the Influence in Minnesota
It is important to recognize that a person can also be “under the influence” even though the person’s alcohol concentration is below the maximum legal level allowed by statute, as the person’s actual impairment can be a deciding factor. Also, drugs, narcotics, or other elements affecting or impairing a person’s ability to drive or operate a motor vehicle may be considered too, as there is generally no allowable “limit” defined as legal.
Additionally, under Minnesota DWI / DUI law, there are certain “aggravating” or “mitigating” factors that may apply to any particular DWI incident. Aggravation is the existence of a fact or circumstance that increases the seriousness of a DWI / DUI offense. Mitigation is the existence of a fact or circumstance that decreases the seriousness of a DWI / DUI offense.
DWI / DUI Aggravation vs. Mitigation in Minnesota
Two examples of legal aggravation include (1) “having a child under the age of 16 in the motor vehicle at the time of the offense if the child is more than 36 months younger than the offender; and (2) when a person’s alcohol concentration is “0.20 or more as measured at the time, or within two hours of the time, of the offense.” An example of mitigation could include the lack of any prior criminal history.
Other aggravating (or mitigating) factors exist for DWI / DUI offenses, and it is extremely important to have a qualified DWI / DUI attorney like Jesse Hall to examine your case and to determine all possible or mandatory criminal penalties that exist under the law and the facts and circumstances of a particular case.
In Minnesota, there are four (4) different degrees of “Driving While Impaired” (DWI).
Four Driving While Impaired Offenses in Minnesota
The most sever DWI is “First-Degree Driving While Impaired.” The law requires that a person (1) commits the violation within ten years of the first of three or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents; (2) has previously been convicted of a felony under this section; or (3) has previously been convicted of a felony” under certain other specifically-listed sections of the law. First-Degree DWI is a “felony,” and “mandatory penalties” may exist.
The next DWI is “Second-Degree Driving While Impaired.” To be convicted of this, the law requires “two or more aggravating factors…when the violation was committed.” Also, person commits Second-Degree DWI if the person refuses to commit to a chemical test (as defined in the law) and also if there is “one aggravating factor present” when the DWI is committed. Second-Degree DWI is a “gross misdemeanor,” and “mandatory penalties” may exist.
The next DWI is “Third-Degree Driving While Impaired.” To be guilty of this offense, just one “aggravating factor” must be present at the time of the DWI. Also, this offense can be committed by refusing to submit to a chemical test (as required by law). Third-Degree DWI is a “gross misdemeanor,” and “mandatory penalties” may exist.
The final DWI is “Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired.” A person commits this offense when there are none of the above circumstances, “incidents,” or “aggravating factors” as generally outlined above. This is the basic or general crime of DWI / DUI.
Experienced DWI & DUI Attorney in Minnesota
Jesse Hall of Twin Cities Law Firm, LLC is an experienced DWI & DUI attorney in Minnesota. He can meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss your problem, case, and legal options. Jesse Hall has represented hundreds of clients who have been involved with DWI or DUI and related offenses. Remember, however, all circumstances and situations are different, and a qualified and experienced attorney like Jesse Hall is imperative in order to defend you and your rights under the laws and constitutions of the State of Minnesota and the United States of America.
Contact Attorney Jesse Hall of Twin Cities Law Firm, LLC today to arrange your NO-OBLIGATION consultation. Time may be of vital importance in representing you and protecting your rights because your case may be time-sensitive and subject to strict, legal deadlines, so don’t delay!
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