Minnesota DWI Lawyer & Defense Attorney

A DWI or DUI offense involves driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and is a serious offense in the state of Minnesota. Drunk driving is responsible for many automobile accidents that result in fatalities. Many of these fatalities were not the ones drinking and driving, but their deaths were caused by drunk drivers.

It is important to note that a DWI or DUI is not limited to a car or a truck. A person can be charged with DWI or DUI when driving a motorcycle, snowmobile, or a boat under the influence of alcohol. There are four degrees, or categories, or drunk driving offenses:

  • First Degree Felony
  • Second Degree Gross Misdemeanor
  • Third Degree Misdemeanor
  • Fourth Degree Misdemeanor

Which is charged depends on previous offenses and if any aggravating factors are present. No matter what, you may need a powerful Minnesota DWI/DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors can make a world of difference in your case. When you have been charged with drunk driving and you feel that the charges are unfair or your livelihood is threatened because of the charges, then a Minnesota DWI/DUI defense lawyer can help you obtain better results.

Here is a look at aggravating factors that can worsen the charges against you:

  • You have had a prior impaired driving incident within the 10 years preceding this latest offense.
  • Your alcohol concentration was said to be .20 or above by the arresting officer. This is also an aggravating factor if the .20 level is recorded 2 hours after the offense.
  • A child under the age of 16 was in the vehicle or the child is more than 36 months younger than the driver.

Degrees Of DWI In Depth

A First Degree DWI in Minnesota is charged when the drunk driver has had three or more drunk driving offenses in the 10 years preceding this offense. This is also the case when the person has been convicted of a previous felony DWI in Minnesota.

A Second Degree DWI occurs when the arresting officer finds that two or more aggravating factors were present at the time of the offense.

A Third Degree DWI occurs when one aggravating factor is present at the time of the drunk driving offense.

A Fourth Degree DWI occurs when a person is driving any vehicle type while under the influence of alcohol (a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above). This is also the case when under the influence of a controlled substance or hazardous substance.

Minnesota DUI/DWI Attorney

If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Minnesota, you need a powerful Minneapolis DUI/DWI attorney to stand by your side. Guilty or not, it is important to know that such an offense can have tough consequences, such as losing your job and having difficulty obtaining a new one.

Call Torres, DeGree and Associates at (612) 861-5003 for your free initial consultation. We have represented clients in both state and federal courts, so we bring a lot of experience to your case.