Getting arrested for a DWI can turn your life upside down—and it’s more common than you might think. In 2023, Minnesota saw over 27,000 DWI arrests, with nearly three out of four involving first-time offenders. One moment you’re heading home from a night out; the next, you’re in the back of a squad car, trying to process what just happened.

 

If this is your first offense, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. A DWI is serious—but you still have rights. And one of the most important things you can do if you’ve been charged with DWI is to call a Minneapolis, MN criminal defense attorney at Keyser Law P.A.

 

What Counts as a First-Time DWI in Minnesota?

 

Under Minnesota Statute § 169A.20, you can be charged with DWI if you drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. This includes having a BAC of 0.08% or higher, being visibly impaired even with a lower BAC, or refusing a chemical test altogether.

 

Even if you didn’t feel impaired, officers can still arrest you based on field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or signs of erratic driving.

 

Immediate Consequences After the Arrest

 

Right after a first-time DWI arrest, things can move fast—and not in your favor.

 

• Your driver’s license may be revoked immediately, often for 90 days or longer.
• You could be taken to jail, depending on your BAC or other factors.
• Your vehicle might be impounded or even forfeited in rare cases.
• You may have to undergo a chemical dependency assessment.

 

What you say and do during this time can impact your case. It’s best not to try to “explain” your way out of it. Instead, contact a Minnesota criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal maze from the very start.

 

 

What Happens in Court for a First-Time DWI

 

The court process typically starts with an arraignment, where you enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, your case may move to a pretrial hearing—this is where a skilled attorney can negotiate or push for dismissal. If no deal is reached, the case goes to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.

 

Navigating court on your own is risky. An experienced attorney can represent you, fight the evidence, and push for the best possible result.

 

Criminal Penalties for a First DWI in Minnesota

 

A first-time DWI is usually a misdemeanor in Minnesota. That might sound minor, but the potential penalties can still be life-changing:

 

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs

 

Certain factors can raise the stakes, even on a first offense. If your BAC was 0.16% or higher, if you had a child in the car, or if you refused testing, you could face enhanced penalties.

 

Don’t assume the court will go easy just because it’s your first time. This is a criminal record we’re talking about—and one that can follow you for years.

 

Your Driver’s License and the Implied Consent Law

 

Minnesota’s Implied Consent Law means that by driving, you’ve already agreed to chemical testing. If you refuse, your license can be revoked for up to a year—sometimes longer than if you had taken the test.

 

You may be eligible for a limited license to get to work or school, but it’s not automatic. And you only have 30 days to request a judicial review of the revocation. A Minnesota criminal defense attorney can help you meet this deadline and fight the suspension.

 

 

Why You Need a Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer

 

The criminal justice system is complicated—and it’s not designed to guide you through the process. If you try to go it alone, you could miss important opportunities to protect yourself.

 

A knowledgeable Minnesota criminal defense lawyer can identify weak spots in the prosecution’s case, challenge improper police conduct, and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal. They know what questions to ask—like whether the stop was legal, whether the breathalyzer was accurate, or whether your rights were violated.

 

A first DWI isn’t always a slam-dunk conviction. But without a lawyer, your chances of a better outcome are slim. If your future matters, legal help isn’t optional—it’s essential.

 

Call a Minneapolis, MN Criminal Defense Attorney Today

 

A first-time DWI doesn’t have to define your future—but the steps you take now matter. You need someone who knows how to protect your rights, challenge the charges, and guide you through what comes next.

 

Call Keyser Law P.A. at (612) 338-5007 or contact us online today. Work with an award-winning Minneapolis, MN criminal defense lawyer backed by two decades of combined experience. Get the help you need—when it matters most.