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Can a DWI be a Felony? DWI

Can a DWI be a Felony?

3 years ago by Brian
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Many people think that DWI charges are not serious, but some DWI charges can be felony offenses, depending on the circumstances. If you face any type of charges, seek help from a Woodbury DWI lawyer right away. 

In the State of Minnesota, some DWI offenses are felonies. A conviction for one of these offenses can lead to serious penalties, including significant amounts of jail time and monetary fines. In addition, a felony DWI conviction can be a serious black mark on your criminal record, making it difficult for you to get a job, go to school, or find a place to live.

If you have been charged with a felony DWI offense, it is important that you have a knowledgeable team of attorneys representing you in your case from beginning to end. The Woodbury DWI lawyer at JS Defense, PA., can assist you with handling your criminal DWI case and ensuring that your rights remain protected throughout the process. We could help you formulate a strong legal defense to your charge or pursue a favorable plea deal with the prosecutor who is assigned to your criminal case. 

Please call us today to learn more about how we could help defend you against your pending felony DWI charge. 

Under What Circumstances Can a DWI be Charged as a Felony?

There are several circumstances when a DWI can be charged as a felony. Those circumstances include the following:

  1. You have been convicted on a felony DWI charge at some time in the past.
  2. You have incurred a previous felony conviction for a criminal vehicular injury or homicide that was related to impaired motor vehicle operation.
  3. You have been arrested on a fourth DWI offense within the past ten years.

Possible Penalties for Felony DWI Offenses

In order for you to be convicted on a felony DWI charge, the prosecutor must prove that you are guilty of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt – or beyond a doubt that is based upon common sense and ordinary reason. If the prosecutor is able to convince a jury that you are guilty, the sentencing judge could impose numerous penalties, including the following:

  1. Jail time
  2. Payment of significant monetary fines
  3. Probation with various conditions
  4. Temporary or permanent revocation of driving privileges
  5. Community service
  6. Mandatory participation in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program
  7. Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

In addition, if your intoxication led to a motor vehicle accident in which someone was injured or killed, the accident victim (or the accident victim’s estate, in the case of a wrongful death case) could bring a claim against you or your insurance company in civil court, seeking monetary compensation and damages. 

Speak with a Knowledgeable Woodbury DWI Lawyer Today

The skilled team of attorneys at JS Defense, PA., can review the circumstances of your case and determine if you might be able to assert one or more legal defenses to your charge. Your attorney can look at your other potential options and will work hard to minimize the consequences of any conviction. 
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Woodbury DWI attorney, please call us today at (651) 968-9652 or contact us online for more information about how we could assist.


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