What are DWI DUI criminal penalties in Minnesota?
The penalties stemming from a DWI ultimately depend on a number of factors. First, in MN, the Minnesota Legislature has decided that mandatory jail time begins to be imposed if people have prior offenses within 10 years of the newest offense. Even a Second offense in a 10 year period mandates 30 days jail. That number increases to 90 days with a 3rd offense in 10 years.
Even if jail time is not imposed, jail alternatives like house arrest or even community service can be added to a sentence. And one of the most important aspects to some DWI sentences can be the probationary conditions, the random alcohol testing, the curfews, the limits on travel, etc.
But in addition to jail time increasing, the MN Department of Public Safety also increases the license revocation as well. Using those to example above, the person facing a 2nd offense in a 10 year period faces at least 1 year of revocation. A 3rd offense could mandate ignition interlock for 3 years or the revocation time does not decrease at all. Financially, the fines also increase when a case gets more serious.
The mandatory minimum fine for a misdemeanor is $300, while a gross misdemeanor is $900.
Then, there are some very specific penalties that can occur for certain cases. If the test result in your case is over .16, then there is another $1,000 penalty assessment available to the prosecutor and court to impose, and you may face 1 year of needing “W” plates on your vehicle.
Learn more: Minnesota’s Impaired Driving Laws, Penalties, and Fines
