DUI Attorney Serving Arden Hills

Arden Hills DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while impaired (DWI), is a serious offense in Arden Hills, Minnesota. A DUI conviction can result in significant legal penalties and affect your ability to work.

If the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department arrested you for DUI, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney to protect your rights. Contact Duffy Defense for a free consultation about your case and to learn more about how our firm represents people charged with DUI offenses.

Minnesota’s DUI Laws

According to Minnesota law, a person is driving while impaired if they operate a motor vehicle while:

Under the influence of alcohol or a controlled or intoxicating substance
Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit
Having any amount of Schedule I or II controlled substances in their body

Importantly, this definition of DUI means you can face charges even if your BAC is below the legal limit if the arresting officers believe you are impaired. However, if your BAC was below the limit, your attorney may have an easier time fighting the charges.

Minnesota also has three distinct BAC limits depending on a driver’s age and occupation:

Statewide BAC Limit – For most drivers in the state, the BAC limit is 0.08 percent, which is the same as the national limit.
Commercial Driver BAC Limit – The BAC limit for CDL holders driving commercial vehicles is 0.04 percent. Minnesota holds commercial drivers to the federal standard.
Underage Driver BAC Limit – For drivers under 21, any amount of alcohol or a controlled or intoxicating substance is above the limit. Minnesota has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking.

DUI Levels and Penalties

In Minnesota, there are four degrees of DUI offenses. First-degree is the most severe, and fourth-degree is the least severe. The definitions of and penalties for these offenses are:

First-Degree DUI – Prosecutors may charge you with first-degree DUI if the offense came within ten years of three or more DUI offenses, if you have a prior felony DUI conviction, or if you have a prior felony conviction related to vehicle or substance use. This charge is a felony and may result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to $14,000, or both.
Second-Degree DUI – Prosecutors may charge you with second-degree DUI if there are two or more aggravating factors present during the offense or if you refuse to submit to a chemical test while there is one aggravating factor. This charge is a gross misdemeanor and may result in imprisonment for up to 364 days, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.
Third-Degree DUI – Prosecutors may charge you with a third-degree DUI if one aggravating factor was present during the offense or if you refuse to submit to a chemical test. This charge is a gross misdemeanor and may result in imprisonment for up to 364 days, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.
Fourth-Degree DUI – This is the base-level DUI charge if there are no aggravating factors. It is a misdemeanor offense and may result in imprisonment for up to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Additional Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Beyond jail sentences and fines, DUI convictions can carry additional consequences. Some of the most common include:

License Revocation – Depending on the degree of the offense, you could lose your license for anywhere from a few months to multiple years. Not having a license can disrupt your life by making getting to and from school or work challenging.
Vehicle Forfeiture – You may also have to forfeit your vehicle for first and second-degree offenses. The courts may use this as an extra measure to make sure you don’t drive with a revoked license.
Alcohol or Drug Education Programs – The court will likely have you undergo a mandatory alcohol or drug abuse education program as a requirement for getting your license back.
Ignition Interlock Device – Depending on the circumstances of your offense, the court may require you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device will prevent you from driving if you have any alcohol in your system.
Increased Insurance Rates – A DUI conviction may impact your insurance rates, further financially penalizing you for the offense.
Criminal Record – A DUI conviction results in a criminal record, which may affect your ability to seek higher education, find employment, or secure housing. If you are a commercial driver, a DUI on your record can have an even larger impact on your ability to work.

How an Arden Hills DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Arden Hills, a DUI defense attorney can assist you by:

Investigating the Incident – Your attorney will review the prosecution’s evidence and gather evidence of their own to identify the best defense strategy to use in your case.
Disputing the Evidence – Your attorney may dispute the evidence presented by the prosecution, such as the validity of the chemical tests. For example, chemical testing must occur within two hours of the offense; waiting longer than this can cause the BAC to rise, leading to a false positive.
Negotiating a Plea Agreement – Your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution for lesser charges or a reduced sentence. For example, instead of jail time, you may only have to serve probation and undergo alcohol abuse treatment.
Representing You in Court – Your attorney will defend your rights in court and seek to beat the charges prosecutors are levying against you.

Even if you don’t believe the charges against you are that serious, a conviction can significantly impact your life. A DUI defense attorney’s knowledge and experience can give you the best chance of a favorable outcome in your case.

DUI Defense Attorney Serving Arden Hills, MN

Do you need legal representation for a DUI offense in Arden Hills, MN? Contact Duffy Defense for a free consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys. We’ll review your case, help you understand the consequences of a conviction, and explain what defense strategies may be available.