Minnesota DUI Consequences
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If you think driving under the influence (DUI) is not that serious, think again. In the United States, it is against the law for any person to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and violating this law will lead to far more penalties than you may realize. For example, Minnesota DUI consequences include a mandatory fine, license suspension, and jail sentence—and that’s just the beginning.
Assuming you have no prior history of driving under the influence, a first-time DUI conviction carries a maximum $1,000 fine, one-year license suspension, and up to a 90-day jail sentence. However, if you are arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.20% or higher (well-above the legal 0.08% limit), or have been convicted of drunk driving within the last ten years, you will face much harsher sentencing guidelines.
Under state law, the maximum penalties for a second DUI conviction, or for driving with a BAC above 0.20%, include a $3,000 fine, one-year license suspension, and up to a year in jail. If this is your third offense, you’ll face the same fine and jail sentence as a second-time offender; however, your driving privileges will be permanently revoked unless you complete a court-approved alcohol treatment program.
Drivers who are found guilty of four or more DUIs within ten years face the toughest penalties of them all. If you are convicted of drunk driving for a fourth time, you can expect to pay up to $14,000 in fines and spend anywhere from 180 days to 7 years behind bars. In addition, your license will be permanently revoked—with no possibility for getting it reinstated in the future—and your vehicle will be confiscated by the state.
With so many court-imposed penalties, it’s easy to overlook the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction—and unfortunately, these are often the most damaging. Like any criminal conviction, a drunk driving offense will forever appear on your criminal record, which means anytime a person checks your background, he or she will find out about your conviction. As you can probably guess, this can limit future employment opportunities, as well as your eligibility for certain housing and educational programs.
Finally, if you are convicted of driving under the influence in Minnesota, it is important to understand how it will impact your insurance rates. As a convicted drunk driver, you can expect to have problems obtaining auto insurance in the future. Depending on the insurer, you may be charged two to three times more than your current rates or denied coverage entirely once your insurance provider finds out about your conviction (and it may be years before your rates are reduced).
Fortunately, with the right legal representation, you may be able to challenge your DUI arrest and reduce or avoid many of the life-altering consequences listed above. To discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area, submit your information online today—someone will be in touch with you soon to schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
