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DUI Defense
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Minneapolis or the surrounding Minnesota areas, it is crucial that you understand your rights and that you get proper legal representation to help you through the process.
While the legal, blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Minnesota is 0.08 percent, you may still be arrested and charged with a DWI/DUI, even if your BAC determines that you are within the legal limits to operate your vehicle. This happens when it is decided that you are too “impaired” due to other field sobriety indicators that the officers deem exhibitive of you being “drunk,” even if you aren’t. These cues can include watery or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and other failures to perform a field sobriety test.
Even if one has an explanation, it is often ignored, and due to intimidation, fear, and/or lack of information as it pertains to their legal rights, many immediately plead guilty to their DUI without knowing that there were other options for them to take. At Karalus Law, we’re here to represent you in these trying times. We understand that being charged with a DUI/DWI can affect your life in a variety of detrimental ways. Not only may your license be revoked, but you could also lose your job, have difficulty finding a place to live, and experience many financial woes due to the fines and fees you’ll inevitably have to pay.
DUI/DWI Penalties in Minnesota
Following your DWI, the severity of the penalties that you will face will be determined by your BAC level and/or other circumstances. If you have a high BAC, anyone was injured, or have a child in your vehicle, your charges will likely be harsher.
BAC of or under 0.16 percent, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and will likely be facing:
- A $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
BAC of 0.16 percent or over, you will be charged with a gross misdemeanor and will likely be facing:
- A $3,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.
Refusing to take a BAC test means you may be charged with a gross misdemeanor and will likely be facing:
- A $3,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.
Consecutive DWI/DUI offenses will result in longer jail time sentences, higher fines, and more severe penalties.
Why Hire Karalus Law
A DUI/DWI offense is nothing to take lightly, and if you find yourself facing a charge, it’s important to have a reliable DWI attorney on your side to protect your rights. Brian Karalus is a criminal defense attorney with not only the experience and knowledge necessary to defend your case but also a determination that will have him fighting vehemently for the best possible outcome in your DUI/DWI case. Be sure to contact us today for your free initial consultation.