Have you been arrested of a DUI? Is this your first offense? Are you unsure whether to hire a lawyer, to accept the consequences or to try and defend yourself? When it comes to first degree DUI offenses, it may seem like a waste of time and money to hire a Minnesota DWI attorney. After all, this was just a one-off thing right? The judge will know this and let you off with a warning, right? Unfortunately, this is most likely not the case
Do I Need a Minnesota DWI Attorney?
There is a good chance that, if this is your first offense, you will not go to jail, unless you are convicted of a series gross misdemeanor or felony offense. However, there is still a lot at stake including license suspension and fines. Even first time offenders can lose their license for anywhere from 30 to 365 days. In some instances you may be issued ‘whisky plates’. Either way, this can negatively impact your personal and professional life. Most of us rely on our cars to get to work, to get errands done and to get around town. It can be embarrassing and frustrating having to whisk the kids off to school in a vehicle with ‘whisky plates’ or having to rely on your colleague to drive you to and from work for three months.
Even one minor DWI offense will go on both your driving record and your criminal record. You can kiss low cost insurance rates goodbye and you may also have a hard time finding decent employment, housing and financial assistance in the future. After all, landlords, employers and lending companies often include a background check as part of the application process.
Repeat Offenders and Advice
Repeat offenders will need a Minnesota DUI lawyer. As every subsequent DWI arrest is made more severe, you will want to lower your risk of conviction as best as possible. In general, the better defense you have, the better outcome you will be granted. Keep in mind that three repeat DUI charges is considered a felony offense – this is something all Minnesota drivers will want to avoid.
The Bottom Line of Minnesota DUI Arrests…
If you have been arrested for a DWI offense, regardless of if this is your first or fifth offense, a phone call to a Minneapolis DWI lawyer can make all the difference in the world. Look for an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney that provides 24/7 service as well as a free initial consultation. Keep in mind that, in all Minnesota counties, you only have 30 days to contest a DUI arrest which means the sooner you act, the better your chances will be.
Don’t let DUI charge affect the rest of your life. Protect your rights, your driving record and reputation as well as your personal and professional life. If you or someone you love is facing a criminal conviction, then now is the time to step up and fight back. Contact Anoka criminal lawyer Michael Brandt at 763-421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.