Minneapolis DWI Attorney
DWI & Drugs: A Serious Charge
If you are under the influence of drugs, law enforcement officers can arrest you and charge you with DWI even if you have not consumed any alcohol. You may not have taken the drugs the same day that you are driving to be considered that you are driving under the influence of drugs. You could be charged with DWI if there is any amount of drugs in your body once tested. Even taking a legally prescribed drug could be grounds for a DWI charge. If you are facing charges for a drug-related DWI offense, it is imperative that you immediately speak with an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney who can be of help to you. A lawyer may be able to work on your behalf to build a strong defense and maximize the chances you have of a successful outcome in your criminal case.
Defending DWI & Drugs Cases in Minneapolis
There are many different kinds of drugs, but there are certain drugs which are the most commonly found to be in one’s system when arrested for DWI. Here are some examples of such drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine and crack cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- LSD (or acid)
- Ecstasy
- PCP
- Heroin
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medications
Some of the drugs listed are obviously illegal, but some of them may have been legally purchased and/or prescribed to you. Unfortunately, it is considered that many drugs have side effects which disable the person to operate the way they normally could when they were not under the influence. A lawyer may even be able to argue the results on the field sobriety tests taken when you were arrested. There are many factors in this kind of case and it is very important that you have an experienced lawyer to assist you in the process.
The attorney from Martin Law Offices is dedicated to building a strong defense on your behalf, based on facts that have been gathered about your arrest and any possible violations of your right. It is his goal to ensure the results from your criminal defense case are the best as possible. He understands how serious each case is and that his client’s future is on the line. This is why he provides each of his clients with superlative legal representation and uses his knowledge of the law to obtain the best possible outcome.
Contact a Minneapolis DWI lawyer
for representation in a DWI case involving drugs.
Page: First Degree DWI Parent: DWI/DUI
First Degree DWI Charges in Minneapolis
Minneapolis DWI Attorney
In Minnesota, the DWI/DUI laws have varying degrees. A first degree DWI charge is a felony level offense according to Minnesota drunk driving laws. If an individual has three or more alcohol-related incidents in the past decade, they will be charged with a first degree felony DWI. Losing your license from the state of Minnesota or another state, being convicted on an alcohol related charge, or other similar offenses count as prior incidents. One thing that is important to know is that the laws in Minnesota allow a person to speak with a criminal defense attorney before they are required to take any kind of test to establish their blood alcohol content (BAC). Getting in touch with a
Minneapolis criminal defense attorney when you are facing severe charges, such as these mentioned, is a very smart move. A DWI lawyer from the firm will be able to help you with your case.
Defense against First Degree DWI Charges
If you have been charged with a first degree DWI offense, not only can you be imprisoned for up to 7 years, you may also have to pay a fine of up to $14,000. You may also be subject to probation or alcohol counseling. Although an alcohol evaluation would have to be done to determine exact results, there are three factors in being charged with first degree DUI. They are as follows:
- You must have tested over .08% at the time of the arrest and have been convicted three times prior or had three alcohol related incidents with driver’s license revocations over the past 10 years; or
- You must be charged with a criminal motor vehicle operation that resulted in death; or
- You must have a current DWI or been previously convicted of a felony DWI offense.
A 1st degree DWI is a very serious criminal charge. Your license may be revoked as well as your license plates impounded in addition to the prison time and fines. These are considered to be felony status offenses, which are treated very severely, and there is a mandatory minimum sentencing of 3 years in prison. It is an urgent matter to have an attorney to defend your rights and assist you in making the right choices in your criminal DWI case. Someone who has experience with the laws will be able help you efficiently. At Martin Law Offices, the attorney feels strongly about protecting his client’s rights and building a compelling defense case to fight to avoid the consequences of a conviction.
If you are facing first degree DWI charges,
contact a Minneapolis DWI attorney
at the firm right away.