Cited for DWI? You’re probably a man
If you’re reading this because you’re looking for a Minnesota DWI attorney, there is a good chance that you’re a man.
That’s because men are three times as likely to get arrested for drunk driving as women, according to 2014 FBI statistics, the last year the agency released such data. More than 400,000 men in the U.S. were arrested for drunk driving that year.
The data is similar when you look closer to home. According to Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, men accounted for 72 percent of DWI arrests in 2015, outnumbering women who were cited by three to one.
Why the big difference? Some studies claim that men are more likely than women to take risks, drive fast and get behind the wheel after a happy hour that lasted well into the night.
One study found that 11 percent of men believed they were safe to drive after three drinks, while 1 percent of women held the same belief. The same research determined that 36 percent of men drove the morning after a night of heavy drinking, even though they were still drunk enough to blow over the Minnesota legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Men often underestimate the effect alcohol has on their bodies and overestimate how sober they are after a few beers, spirits or glasses of wine, researchers say. Some men might believe that because they’re bigger than most women, they can drink and safely drive. Women get drunk faster on fewer glasses of the same alcohol, however, they are more likely to understand they are impaired and opt to find another ride home.
The number of women arrested for drunk driving has increased the past few decades. One group looking at the data theorized that more women are in the workforce than 30 or 40 years ago, and as a result are more likely to drink socially rather than alone at home.
Another study – older research conducted by the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mid-90s – found that drinking by women was impacted more by social influences. Men, meanwhile, were guided to indulge by the nature of the occasion – an office party or birthday gathering, for example.
Both men and women who work inoffice occupations, though, tended to drink heavily in response to social influences, like an impromptu dinner or happy hour. Workers in blue collar jobs were more responsive to internal moods and feelings, the NHTSA found.
Why do people in any situation get behind the wheel after drinking – and why do they let their friends do it, too?
Reports say 20 percent of men and 7 percent of women let friends drive drunk to avoid an argument, or because the person has done it before.
The good news is, there appears to be fewer drunk driving-related deaths in Minnesota than in years past. In 2014, 95 people were killed by a drunk driver, which is 39 fewer than in the previous decade.
According to those state DOT figures, alcohol-related crashes still account for a third of Minnesota’s annual traffic deaths. Officials say 2,203 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes on the state’s roadways. More than half of DWI arrests three years ago were motorists between the ages of 20 and 34.
Despite the startling figures, a DWI can happen to anyone. We all make mistakes. You aren’t alone – and you’re not a bad person for getting cited for drunk driving.
The state found that one out of every seven licensed drivers in Minnesota has at least one DWI on his or her record. Nearly half of DWI arrests happen on the weekend. The average BAC for Minnesota motorists cited for DWI is 0.16.
There is good news. Only 72 percent of men and women cited for DWI are actually convicted, according to state data. That means you might have a chance in court, but only if you have an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney on your side.
A DWI conviction can negatively impact your life. A DWI on your driving record can raise your insurance rates, as companies tend to look back three to five years when determining premiums.
If you’re ever arrested for another crime, authorities can use your DWI conviction against you.
If you’ve been cited for a DWI in Minnesota, it’s important that you seek the help and advice of an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A DWI conviction can affect your job, cost you money and lead to a lot of stress and embarrassment.
A DWI is a potentially life-altering situation. Record expungement is an option, but that can take time. It’s best to fight the charge as hard as possible to avoid a DWI conviction. That’s where we come in.
What to do?
If you have been cited for a DWI in Minnesota, it is imperative that you speak with one of our experienced drunk driving attorneys immediately. We explain your rights and help you determine if the police have a valid case.
Only a respected criminal law expert with experience in DWI cases can help you fight the charges so they don’t affect your driving ability, your finances and your professional reputation. It’s crucial that you take steps to ensure you can move on with your life and put the DWI citation far behind you.
Don’t let one mistake alter your life. We know you’re a good person. Our attorneys at Gerald Miller DWI and Criminal Defense can help you move forward.
Minnesota DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone deserves the right to the best defense available and this is why an experienced attorney serving the Minnesota, including the Minneapolis metro area, is absolutely vital.
DWI and DUI are serious offenses. In addition to the danger you pose to yourself and others, you also expose yourself to severe penalties, including a heavy fine, court costs, insurance surcharges, motor vehicle surcharges, loss of license and even a jail term. Since these penalties are significant and create a negative record that could affect your ability to get a job, obtain insurance and generally get on with your life, you should consult an experienced attorney who is dedicated to the field of DWI and DUI defense.
At Gerald Miller DWI and Criminal Defense, we focus on DWI and DUI cases and ensure you receive the best legal representation from the moment you contact us. We will look at all aspects of your case in great detail. You need this level of legal counsel because driving under the influence cases can be the most difficult ones in which to obtain a successful outcome.
A DWI or DUI charge can happen to anybody. We believe everyone should be treated equally.
Call the attorneys at Gerald Miller today at 612-440-4610. Our lines are open 24 hours. We are here waiting to help you immediately. The attorneys at Gerald Miller also can help you with a non-DWI criminal charge and other areas in which skilled legal advice is needed.
The attorneys at Gerald Miller, P.A., will work hard to protect your legal rights. Call us today at (612) 440-3212 and schedule your free and confidential consultation. We are available seven days a week. We are on your side.
