What is a DWI?

A DWI is a very serious crime of Driving While Intoxicated. If you are stopped by a police officer under suspicion of driving while intoxicated, they are allowed to test your BAC, or Blood Alcohol Content level. This is usually done with a device known as a breathalizer. If your BAC is found to be .08 or higher, you can be arrested for a DWI.

What are my rights when I am arrested?

The officers should read you your rights as they arrest you and make sure that you understand them. You have the right to remain silent, as anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law. Your most important right is the access to legal counsel. Seek this immediately as time is critical in a case such as this. They will give you the best advice to keep out of more trouble than you are already in and help you to decide what actions you need to take in your case.

What are the possible penalties of a DWI?

In Minnesota, there are four levels or degrees of the DWI crime. Which degree you receive depends on such factors as being underage, having an underaged person in the car with you at the time, or if you've been convicted of a DWI before. Each degree has ever increasing punishments, from a 90 day suspension of your license to $1000 in fines or 90 days in jail for the least punishment. The most severe punishments include losing not only your license but your car as well, along with a mandatory jail sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine to top it all off. It is a very serious thing to get caught even once while drinking and driving.