Do You Need a DWI Defense Attorney?

Minneapolis DWI & DUI Lawyer and Criminal Defense Attorney

DWI is an abbreviation for “Driving While Intoxicated.” DWI is sometimes referred to as “DUI” or “Driving Under the Influence.” DWI involves the act of operating and/or driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to the degree that mental and motor skills are impaired. DWI laws also apply to recreational vehicles, such as an ATV, boat or snowmobile, and piloting an airplane.

When arrested for DUI or DWI in Minnesota, the police are trying to determine your “BAC” or “blood alcohol concentration.”  Operating a motor vehicle in Minnesota with a BAC of .08 or more is illegal and can qualify you for a DWI charge. A person’s BAC is determined by many factors such as height, weight, number of drinks, size of drinks, etc.

Try the Police Notebook Blood Alcohol Content Calculator or the Drink Wheel to calculate your estimated BAC.

How Serious is a DWI Charge?

If convicted of a DWI charge, a defendant can face between 90 days in jail to 7 years in prison, depending on the severity level of the alleged offense. In Minnesota, there are four different DWI charges (click the link to view the applicable statute):

  1. First-Degree DWI (maximum of 7 years imprisonment and/or a $14,000 fine)
  2. Second-Degree DWI (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
  3. Third-Degree DWI (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
  4. Fourth-Degree DWI (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine)

What are Aggravating Factors?

The severity of a DWI in Minnesota depends upon whether one or more aggravating factors are present at the time of the offense. These include:

  • A qualified prior impaired driving incident within the ten years immediately preceding the current offense
  • Having an alcohol concentration of 0.20 or more as measured at the time, or within two hours of the time of the offense
  • Having a child under the age of 16 in the motor vehicle at the time of the offense if the child is more than 36 months younger than the offender

We Aggressively Challenge the Police

A police officer must have a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping your vehicle. Oftentimes, officers will stop vehicles merely on a “hunch” that the driver is impaired. This isn’t good enough. More importantly, police officers cite valid reasons for stopping your vehicle, but are simply lying. Did the police say you did something you didn’t do, like swerving your vehicle on the road? Did the police say you didn’t do something you should have done, like using a turn signal?

Our DUI & DWI defense attorney understands that while you may have been drinking, the police must nevertheless follow proper procedure in stopping your vehicle. We will actively investigate your case by interviewing witnesses, hiring experts if necessary, visiting the place of arrest for scene investigation and challenging the Intoxilyzer (breath test) machine if necessary. Don’t simply give up because you know you consumed alcohol before driving.

Our Promise

As your devoted legal representative, we will:

  • Be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns
  • Investigate your case by reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses and hiring private investigators if necessary
  • Thoroughly explain the charges against you, the possible defenses and what the likely outcomes will be
  • Explain what to expect in court and attend all court appearances with you
  • Spend invaluable one-on-one time with you to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of the case
  • Zealously advocate on your behalf to dismiss your case (if possible)
  • Skillfully negotiate to minimize any jail time, prison time, probationary period or fines

  • Respect you, listen to you and genuinely care about your future

Contact Minnesota DUI & DWI Defense Attorney Christopher Keyser directly at (612) 338-5007 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can also send us a direct email by filling out the “Free Consultation” box to the left of this page. Your important call or email will be answered 24 hours a day.

Keyser Criminal Defense represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.