St. Cloud, MN DWI Attorney

Understanding DWI/DUI charges and their consequences

DWI/DUI charges refer to the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In St. Cloud, MN, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for individuals aged 21 and above, and lower limits apply for commercial drivers and those under 21. If you are found to be driving with a BAC above the legal limit, you can be charged with a DWI/DUI offense.
The consequences of a DWI/DUI charge can be severe and can vary depending on factors such as prior convictions, BAC level, and any accompanying charges (such as reckless driving or causing injury). Immediate consequences may include license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and increased insurance premiums. However, the long-term consequences can have an even more significant impact on your life.

The legal process for DWI/DUI charges in St. Cloud, MN

When charged with a DWI/DUI offense in St. Cloud, MN, it’s essential to understand the legal process you will go through. After an arrest, you will typically be taken to a police station for processing, which involves collecting evidence and conducting tests to determine your BAC. At this stage, it is crucial to remember your rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation.
Following the arrest and processing, you will have to appear in court for an Arraignment or a First Appearance, depending on the level of the offense, and this is where you will be formally charged with the DWI/DUI offense. It is during this stage that having a skilled DWI/DUI attorney by your side becomes crucial. They will review the evidence against you, identify any potential flaws or violations of your rights, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.

Building a strong defense for DWI/DUI charges

A strong defense is crucial when facing a DWI/DUI charge. We will carefully analyze the evidence against you, looking for any weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used in your favor:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Challenging the expansion of the scope of the stop
• Challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results
• Dispute the credibility of witnesses

Potential penalties for DWI/DUI convictions in St. Cloud, MN

The penalties for a DWI/DUI conviction in St. Cloud, MN, are severe and can have a lasting impact on your life. For a first-time DWI/DUI offense, you may face fines up to $1,000, mandatory alcohol education programs, license suspension from 90 days to a year, and potential jail time up to 90 days. Subsequent convictions carry even harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, and longer jail sentences.

The importance of taking DWI/DUI charges seriously and seeking legal representation

Facing a DWI/DUI charge is a serious matter that can have significant consequences on your life. It is crucial to take these charges seriously and seek legal representation immediately.

Remember, a DWI/DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. With the help of an experienced DWI/DUI attorney, you can build a strong defense, challenge the evidence against you, and potentially achieve a favorable outcome. Don’t face the consequences of a DWI/DUI charge alone – contact us today! Your future and your rights are worth fighting for.

4 Things To Know About Jeddeloh Snyder Stommes Criminal Defense

1. Our criminal defense services include guiding you through the legal process, keeping you informed of legal developments, advising you of potential outcomes, and then moving forward according to what you, our client, decide is best for you. Whether it is an aggressive court representation for a felony trial or a routine preliminary hearing, our lawyers are committed to providing the criminal defense services that protect your freedom and rights.
2. An arrest is NOT a conviction. The prosecutor’s office has to do a lot of work to build their case. We learn and review every piece of evidence that the prosecutor has and may use in court. We review and negotiate with the prosecutor to ensure you get a fair outcome while protecting your rights.
3. Jury Trials: We are a highly-skilled trial law firm. Our lawyers are persuasive and very well-informed about your rights within the legal system. Our knowledge of the law and your rights gives us the expertise to defend a client’s innocence.
4. Non-Jury Trial Cases: Some cases will never see a jury trial. A pending criminal charge can sometimes be dismissed. When a charge is not dismissed, often times our lawyers work with the prosecutor to reduce the charges and sanctions as part of a negotiated plea.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our St. Cloud, Minnesota office.