DUI, DWI Charges in Minnesota

Minneapolis DWI Attorney Bill Sherry vigorously defends people accused of driving while impaired, DUI offenses and those facing loss of driving privileges or forfeiture in all MN courts. Lawyer offices located in Apple Valley, Dakota County, MN.

Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are just different names for the same thing. Minnesota DWI arrests usually result in two separate court cases. Most people are familiar with the criminal case, but fighting a DWI or DUI charge may also involve completely separate civil cases to challenge the loss of your driving privileges and potential forfeiture of your vehicle. You may also have questions about Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Program. It is important to get legal advice as soon as possible from a skilled attorney who will aggressively defend you and be with you every step of the way.

About DWI offenses in Minnesota

DWI offenses range in severity from a basic Fourth Degree misdemeanor offense to a serious First Degree felony charge. Certain “aggravating factors” may increase the seriousness of the charge, including having a blood alcohol concentration of .16 or more, having a child under age 16 in the vehicle, or having prior DWI convictions or alcohol-related loss of your driver’s license. Other factors like fleeing the police can also make matters worse. Additional information on penalties for first DWI offense, second DWI offense, third offense and fourth offense are available at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety web site.

The consequences of a DWI charge are significant, and involve fines, probation conditions and mandatory minimum jail sentences for people with a prior DWI conviction. It is important to hire a lawyer with extensive DWI experience to identify your defenses, or at least conduct damage control. By advising you about things you can do to improve your situation before court and negotiating on your behalf, Apple Valley lawyer Bill Sherry will work to get you the best possible result.

The cost of hiring a lawyer may well be less than the many long-term consequences of pleading guilty to DWI, involving fines, court costs, getting your driver’s license reinstated, electronic home monitoring, chemical dependency evaluation and possible treatment, and increased insurance costs. A felony-level DWI conviction also carries the risk of a prison sentence, and results in a lifetime ban on the possession of firearms, a serious consequence for any hunter. A DWI conviction may also jeopardize future employment, housing eligibility, travel to Canada and numerous other things. Contact Minneapolis DWI attorney Bill Sherry for advice and help in making the best decisions in your unique situation.

Bill Sherry will take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options to get you through the difficult process with the best possible outcome. He will review the details your case with you, examine all of the evidence, identify any defenses you may have, and thoroughly explain how he can help you and what that will cost.

As an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney, Bill Sherry understands that legal problems don’t always happen during ordinary office hours. 

If you are facing DWI/DUI charges and need to talk with a lawyer right now, call or text Bill Sherry at 952-423-8423 for a free consultation.