If you have been charged with DWI, you need a Minnesota attorney who will protect your rights as the legal process unfolds. A conviction for drunk or impaired driving may result in a jail sentence, a monetary fine, or a driver’s license suspension. It can also make it harder to get into a schooling program or apply for a job. You need to know what you are up against and how to defend yourself against a DWI charge.
There Are Several Defenses Against DWI Charges
The first thing you need to know is there are many approaches to defend against a DWI charge. If a blood or breath test was conducted improperly or the traffic stop that led to the charge was illegally conducted, you could possibly see your charges dropped. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, it may be possible to have the charge thrown out since checkpoints are unconstitutional under Minnesota law. While there is never a guarantee of an acquittal at trial or of a dismissal of charges, it is important to understand that a police officer is not declaring your guilt or innocence when he or she charges you with DWI. Charges are simply allegations that must be proven in court.
Look for an Attorney Who Focuses on DWI Law
It is important that you specifically look for a Minnesota DWI defense attorney to help with your case. Using an attorney who practices DWI defense will increase the odds that your case will end with a favorable outcome. Attorneys who focus in such cases understand the nuances of DWI law and legal precedents that may be used in your favor. DWI lawyers with a good track record of winning cases may be able to use that reputation as leverage to have charges dropped or to negotiate a plea prior to the case reaching a judge.
Find an Attorney Who Will Fight to Clear Your Name
In the event that you are cleared of the charges against you, the fact that you were charged may stay on your record. Therefore, you may still be required to tell employers or college admissions officials that you were taken into custody for drunk or impaired driving even if you were cleared of the charge. Your attorney should be willing to fight to have the charge expunged, which means that it would be cleared from your record and you would never have to tell anyone about it again.
When you are charged with DWI, your entire future could be at stake. This means that you should look for and hire an attorney who can guide you through the entire legal process. Doing so may make it more likely that you may avoid the most serious penalties or clear your name completely, so don’t wait to start your search.
