Getting pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving can have serious consequences. The stakes are even higher when there are aggravating factors involved. If you are facing a second degree DWI charge in Minnesota, you need an attorney with experience on your side.

Understanding Second Degree DWI Charges

The impaired driving laws in Minnesota are designed to keep the roads safe. If you are caught driving while intoxicated, you will face serious charges that can have long term impact on your life.

The exact charges you face will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. You can be charged with a second degree DWI if there are two or more aggravating factors present at the time of the offense. Aggravating factors include:

  • An excessively high blood alcohol content of .16 or higher;
  • A prior impaired driving charge or conviction with the previous ten years of the offense; or
  • The presence of a minor child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

A second degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor that carries significant penalties, including fines up to $3,000, jail time up to one year, and the suspension of your license. In order to get your license back, you may have to participate in a treatment program, or even get an ignition lock on your vehicle. The total cost of a DWI also may amount to well over any maximum fines issued by the court, including higher insurance costs, and other financial burdens.

You can also face elevated DWI charges if anyone is injured as the result of your DWI, if you are caught driving with a suspended license, or if you are guilty of reckless driving while intoxicated. Minnesota’s DWI laws are complex, and best dealt with through a qualified defense attorney.

Second Degree DWI Defense Lawyer

A second degree DWI can have a major impact on your life. Aside from the initial fines and jail time you may serve if convicted, you may have difficulty getting back your license or being able to drive under normal conditions. Additionally, a second degree DWI can affect your ability to get a job or have a normal social life. With a qualified defense lawyer on your side, you can often have your charges reduced or dropped. Your lawyer will help build the case that may allow you to face smaller penalties, and get back on the road faster.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you are facing charges of a second degree DWI, you need help from an experienced attorney. At the Brown Law Offices, P.A., our attorneys have helped many clients get the best possible result in their DWI case. Don’t let a second degree DWI conviction have a negative impact on your life. Call us today at 763-323-6555, or complete our online form for a free consultation.