Here in Minneapolis, the terms DWI and DUI tend to be used interchangeably. Over the years, the drunk driving law terminology went from Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) due to the burden of proof required. In 2001, the state changed the definition once again to Driving While Impaired (DWI) to include hazardous and controlled substances, as well as alcohol. Despite the changes in terminology, the terms you could face depend upon the severity of the crime.
On August 1st, 2015 new laws went into effect. The state dropped the legal limit for a gross DWI misdemeanor from 0.20% to 0.16% (twice the limit for a minor misdemeanor.) Although this is not a huge drop, the legislature hopes that the stricter law will save more lives. When reviewing repeat offences, lawmakers noted that the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels averaged 0.165%. What this means is that the average Minnesotan motorist (1 in 7 of whom have had a DWI) will be much more likely to be arrested.
Life is uncertain. The average person cannot judge, with accuracy, the BAC level in their own system. Nor can you predict when you might be pulled over by law enforcement and asked to submit to a drunk driving test, or worse. According to the Department of Public Safety, 2014 showed 25,258 motorists arrested for impaired driving with an average BAC of 0.15%; rising to 0.19% for those involved in a fatal accident.
Therefore, when you need a Minneapolis DWI Attorney is now. Don’t wait until you are in trouble to find a good attorney, contact us today to fully understand your rights.