First Time DWIs and License Revocations. How You Handle Your Case Matters
If you've recently been arrested for a DWI in Minnesota and it's your first offense and you are 21 or older, knowing how to handle the case and its possible resolution may have a huge impact upon your license revocation. While there are absolutely cases you should fight, in those circumstances where negotiating a plea is in your interest, pleading guilty to certain charges may actually shorten your revocation period of your driver’s license. If you are facing DWI charges, make sure you sit down with an experienced Minnesota DWI Defense Attorney. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation.
“Pleading guilty to certain charges may actually shorten your revocation period of your driver’s license.”
Here’s How it Works For First-Time Misdemeanor DWI Offenders:
By opting to plead guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge, you could see your driver’s license revocation period cut down from the usual 90 days to just 30 days. This significant reduction can greatly minimize the disruption to your daily life and driving freedoms. Sometimes, it is about getting your life back on track as soon as possible. This cannot be ignored.
For Test Refusal Charges:
If your case involves a charge of “test refusal,” meaning you declined to undergo a breath, blood, or urine test, the standard revocation period is typically one year. Yet, if you choose to plead guilty to a 4th-degree DWI, you can reduce this period to just 30 days. If you plead guilty specifically to the test refusal, the revocation period may be lowered to 90 days. As a result, the resolution can make a huge difference as to the impact upon your license revocation period.
Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Eligibility and Important Considerations
This reduced period is generally applicable to true first-time offenders without any prior driving incidents on their record. However, it is important to keep in mind that certain circumstances, such as whether there were injuries involved, can influence your eligibility. For more detailed information on this aspect, you can should truly consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
When to Consult a Legal Professional
While the possibility of a reduced revocation period may be beneficial, it is crucial to remember that every case is different. If you think you might need to contest your DWI charges or if losing your driving privileges would have a major impact on your job—such as for commercial drivers or licensed professionals (including pilots, doctors, and lawyers)—it’s imperative to seek expert legal guidance. A qualified attorney can offer personalized advice and ensure that your rights are thoroughly defended.
“Sometimes, it is about getting your life back on track as soon as possible.”
Get in Touch with Us
If you’re dealing with a DWI charge and need assistance navigating the legal system, or if you’re worried about the potential effects on your driving privileges or professional license, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you explore your options and strive for the best possible resolution for your case.
Navigating the intricacies of your DWI situation can significantly influence your driving record and professional future. Ensure you have the legal support you need to handle your case effectively. If you are facing serious DWI charges in Minnesota, reach out to Jack Rice Defense for a free and confidential consultation. You can reach us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your future is at stake, let Jack Rice Defense stand by you.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.