DWI Made Simple

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having received a DWI and don't know what to expect you are not alone. For most people a DWI is their first brush with the law and they are feeling uncertain and anxious about what to expect. DWI made simple is your chance to get the information

Phase I- The Criminal Side

Most DWI offenders in Minnesota are first time violators with a blood alcohol range between .08 and .19. If you find yourself in this situation then you are looking at a misdemeanor offense. The penalty for a misdemeanor ranges from 0-90 days in jail and $0-$1000 fine, or both. If you are convicted of a first time misdemeanor DWI it is highly unlikely that you will do any jail time. Community service and a relatively minimal fine of $300 is the norm. Now if you have more than one DWI offense within a 10 year period, then you will be looking at a gross misdemeanor offense. The penalty for a second time offender ranges between 30 to 365 days in jail and a $900 to $3000 fine, or both. For a third time violator, the range is 90 to 365 days in jail, and the fine is usually the same. For those who receive 4 DWIs within ten years, it is a felony with the potential for prison time but at a minimum 180 to 365 days in jail and a fine between $300 to $14,000, or both.

Phase II- The Civil SIde

If you are a first time DWI offender with a blood alcohol range between .08 and .19, you will receive an alcohol license revocation on your driving record and lose your driving privileges for 90 days. You can receive a work permit after 15 days. If you have 2 DWIs within a 10 year period and your blood alcohol range is between a .08 and .19, your license revocation will be for 180 days and a work permit after 90 days. If your blood alcohol range is .20 or higher, then the time frame doubles. If you have 3 DWIs within a 10 year period, or 4 within a lifetime, your license will be canceled for a minimum of one year and you will be placed on a B-Card (no use of alcohol restriction) if and when you obtain driving privileges again. If you refuse testing, you automatically lose your driving privileges for one year regardless of the number of offenses you have. With a first offense that is a refusal the work permit can be had in 15 days, if it is a second offense then it is 180 days.