Facing a DWI in New Brighton: How Jack Rice Defense Can Help

Being charged with a DWI in New Brighton, Minnesota or elsewhere in Ramsey County brings with it serious repercussions that can impact your future. This includes not just immediate legal consequences but also potential long-term effects on your career, driving privileges, and public image. The complex nature of these penalties underscores the importance of comprehending their full scope, especially for both first-timers and those with prior offenses. Engaging a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Ramsey County, like Jack Rice and his team, is vital in navigating these challenges effectively.

"Addressing a DWI is more than just dealing with possible jail consequences. What about your case, your plates, your license? They. can all impact your life."

Levels of Severity in DWI Charges: Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor, and Felony

In Minnesota, the gravity of a DWI depends on several variables such as the individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), previous DWI records, and factors like causing injury or driving with children. Penalties can differ significantly, including:

• Misdemeanor DWI: Typically involves BACs from 0.08% to 0.16%, or first-time offenses, featuring penalties such as:

  • Up to 90 days in jail

  • Fines up to $1,000

  • A 90-day driving suspension, possibly followed by license restrictions

• Gross Misdemeanor DWI: This category includes BACs higher than 0.16%, incidents resulting in injury, or cases with a minor in the vehicle. It also covers repeat offenses within a specific timeframe, with possible penalties including:

  • A maximum of one year in jail

  • Fines up to $3,000

  • A one-year compulsory driving suspension, and possibly an ignition interlock device requirement

  • Risk of vehicle or license plate confiscation

• Felony DWI: For severe circumstances such as accruing three DWI convictions within ten years, prior felony DWIs, or causing serious injury. Penalties include:

  • Up to seven years in prison

  • Fines up to $14,000

  • Long-term revocation of driving rights, and labeling driver as "inimical to public safety"

  • Possible forfeiture of vehicle and license plate

Special Considerations for Commercial Drivers:

Holders of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must adhere to stricter rules, with a reduced BAC threshold of 0.04%. Penalties for non-compliance include at least a one-year prohibition on commercial driving, or up to three years if transporting hazardous materials.

"Various elements, from your BAC level to past DWI instances, minors in the car, and resulting injuries, influence DWI charges in New Brighton."

How Jack Rice Defense Supports You in DWI Cases in New Brighton

With Jack Rice Defense in New Brighton, Minnesota, you gain an ally to confront DWI charges. Jack Rice brings extensive experience and strategic acumen to his defense practice, empowering his team to vigorously defend our clients. Our services encompass negotiating reduced penalties, pursuing dismissals on legal grounds, and providing strong courtroom advocacy to minimize the DWI’s impact on your life.

Understanding Minnesota's DWI laws and local nuances is our specialty, enabling a robust defense tailored for our clients.

Act promptly to protect your future. If you’re facing DWI charges, contact Jack Rice Defense immediately at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339 for exceptional legal support. Count on Jack Rice Defense to stand by you when it matters the most.