When is a DUI a Felony in Minnesota?
3 years ago by Brian
When is a DUI a Felony in Minnesota?
Driving while impaired (DWI/DUI) is a serious offense with potentially serious consequences ranging from fines imposed, suspension of driving privileges, being on probation, or even doing time behind bars.
Many Minnesota DWI charges are misdemeanors – however, if you’re a repeat offender, it can be a different story. The charges and penalties increase for repeat offenders with each subsequent conviction, and in some cases, DWI can become a felony offense.
If you are facing felony DUI charges, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer handling your case right away.
Felony DUI in Minnesota
If you are arrested for DUI, you are likely to be charged with a felony if any of the following circumstances are present in your case:
- You are arrested for your fourth DWI
- You have a prior felony DWI conviction in your record.
- You have in the past been convicted for committing a criminal felony of vehicular homicide involving alcohol or some other form of a controlled substance under Minnesota law.
If you have been arrested for suspicion of DUI, and any of these factors apply to your case, then you will likely be charged with a felony DWI and face serious criminal and collateral consequences for the conviction.
Criminal Penalties for Felony DWI Convictions in Minnesota
Minnesota gives DUI offenders many chances to learn and obey DUI laws for their own well-being and the safety of other motorists on the road. This usually means only having misdemeanor convictions for which one usually pays fines, especially if it is the first-time conviction.
However, if you are convicted of a felony DUI, then you will face up to seven years of incarceration in state prison. You will also face fines and fees of up to $14,000. However, if you are represented by an experienced DUI attorney, you may be allowed to serve any jail time under electronic home monitoring (EHM) instead of being incarcerated at the state prison or some workhouse. An attorney might even be able to get your charges dropped or reduced.
Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction in Minnesota
- Increase in your insurance premiums or denial of insurance, as insurance companies will consider you an extremely high risk to insure.
- Applying for certain professional licenses in the state could be denied based on your felony DUI conviction.
- Employers may choose not to hire you, especially those that will not hire someone with a felony record.
- A felony DUI can have a negative impact on other applications you may seek, such as applications for college or applications for financial aid if you are already in college.
Seek Help from a Woodbury, MN Felony DWI/DUI Lawyer
A felony DUI is a very serious criminal offense, and if you find yourself facing these charges, it is in your best interest to seek the services of an experienced DUI defense lawyer who can help you in obtaining the best outcome for your case. Contact JS Defense, PA, today for a free consultation.