License Suspension for First DWI – New Law

by | Feb 10, 2012 | Criminal Law, DWI | 0 comments

New Minnesota DWI Laws

In July of 2011 Minnesota made several changes to its DWI laws.  There are far too many changes to list them all in a single blog post, so I will be breaking them down into smaller topics and covering them one at a time over the coming weeks.

License Suspension for First Time DWI

Under the new Minnesota DWI laws, your license will be suspended for a first time DWI as follows:

  1. If your alcohol concentration was under .16 your license will be suspended for 90 days.  However, since it is your first ever DUI, you have the choice of getting a limited license after 15 days that would allow you to drive to work and back for the remaining 75 days, or you can have unlimited driving privileges for the full 90 days if you agree to use an ignition interlock device.
  2. If your alcohol concentration was at or over .16 your license will be suspended for one full year.  You will not be allowed to drive at all unless you agree to use an ignition interlock device.  If you agree to use the ignition interlock device you will have unlimited driving privileges for the entire year.
  3. If it is your first DUI and you refused to take the testyour license will be suspended for one year.  However, you have the choice of getting a limited license after 15 days that would allow you to drive to work and back for the remainder of the year, or you can have unlimited driving privileges for the full year if you agree to use an ignition interlock device.

I will be explaining what an ignition interlock device is, how much it costs, and possible consequences of agreeing to use one in a future post.

Carol Mayer is an experienced criminal law attorney who can help make sure your rights are protected and you are treated fairly in the process.  Carol Mayer represents clients in all metropolitan counties and cities including but not limited to Sibley, Carver, Scott, Anoka, Hennepin, Stearns, Blue Earth, LeSueur, Brown, Nicollet, Arlington, Gaylord, McLeod, Chaska, Hutchinson, Mankato, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Belle Plaine, Jordan, and many more.