A driving while impaired (DWI) charge in Minnesota carries significant penalties, but the penalties increase significantly if you’re involved in a crash and flee the scene. If you hurt or killed someone in the crash and leave the scene, you’ll be in even more trouble. Therefore, it’s always best to remain at the scene of a drunk driving crash and contact a St. Paul DUI defense lawyer immediately.
Minnesota Hit-and-Run Laws
Minnesota law requires drivers involved in crashes with suspected injuries, deaths, or property damage to take certain steps or risk severe penalties. The required steps after an accident include:
- Stopping as close to the crash scene as possible without obstructing other traffic.
- Checking to see if the crash caused any injuries, deaths, or property damage.
- Immediately notifying law enforcement officers if the crash caused any injuries or deaths.
- Providing “reasonable assistance” to anyone injured in the crash (such as calling 911 for help).
- Exchanging certain information with the other drivers involved in the crash, including your name, date of birth, physical address or email address, and license plate number.
- Providing your driver’s license or permit to any responding officer who asks for it at the scene.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Minnesota drivers who leave the scene of an accident with injuries or deaths without reporting the crash and assisting anyone hurt in the crash can face felony charges. If the collision resulted in any deaths, the penalties include up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Fleeing the scene of a crash with severe injuries can lead to up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000. For crashes with “substantial” or minor injuries, the penalties include up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $3,000. Fleeing the scene of a crash with property damage but no injuries is a misdemeanor, though offenders could still face jail time and fines.
DUI Penalties in Minnesota
Minnesota’s DUI laws are complicated, and the potential penalties a driver might face depend on several factors, such as:
- Their level of intoxication
- Any prior history of DUI charges
- Whether they refused a chemical DUI test from the police
In the worst cases, a felony DWI conviction carries a minimum of three years in prison. If the driver fled the scene, they’ll face additional penalties in addition to whatever sentence they receive for their drunk driving charge.
It’s also worth noting that refusing a chemical DWI test from the police also carries significant consequences. Drivers who refuse these tests will have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of one year. Drivers can refuse roadside breathalyzer tests but must comply with chemical tests after their arrest or risk license revocation.
Contact a St. Paul DWI Defense Attorney Now
If the police have accused you of leaving the scene of a drunk driving crash, you need to contact a DWI defense lawyer immediately. Attorney Alec M. Duffy of Duffy Defense can evaluate the charges against you, look for weak points in the prosecution’s case, negotiate on your behalf for reduced charges or penalties, and represent you in any court hearings. Your freedom is on the line, and waiting to talk to an attorney could have severe consequences. Call Duffy Defense now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.