Arrested for DWI in Minnesota? Our Minneapolis DWI attorneys at Caplan & Tamburino know what it takes to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. Schedule a Free Consultation

Minneapolis DWI Lawyers

Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists on Your Side

Minnesota has some of the strictest laws when it comes to driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you or someone you love has been arrested for DWI in Minnesota, the penalties you face are nothing to ignore.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Minneapolis DWI attorneys are here to make sure you get the committed and effective legal representation you need when facing such charges and uncertainties.

Backed by over a century of experience, our team can inform you of your rights, protect your best interests, and provide the legal advocacy you need to pursue the best possible resolution in your case.

Don’t wait to get started on your defense. Contact the professionals at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today to schedule a consultation with a Minneapolis DWI attorney.

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Help for All Types of Drunk Driving Charges

Our DWI lawyers handle all types of drunk driving charges, including:

If you are convicted of a DWI offense, the penalties you face may include fines, jail time, license suspension, court-ordered installation of an ignition interlock device, and more.

This is why it’s important to act quickly after an arrest. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help.

Our DWI lawyers in Minneapolis are here to answer your questions, act on your behalf, and make sure you feel confident about the direction of your case.

The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Minnesota

Under Minnesota law, the terms "DUI" and "DWI" have slightly different definitions.

DUI refers to driving under the influence and can apply to drivers who are impaired by either alcohol or drugs, or both.

DWI, or driving while intoxicated, applies in cases where a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit of .08%.

Penalties for a First-Time DWI Offense in Minnesota

In Minnesota, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater. If your BAC is between .08% and .16%, you will be charged with a misdemeanor.

The penalties for a first-time DWI offense may include:

  • Maximum 90-day jail sentence
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • 90 days of no driving privileges
  • Ignition interlock device (IID)

If your alcohol concentration level exceeds 0.16%, you could be charged with a gross misdemeanor. Penalties may include up to one year in jail, $3,000 in fines, and one year of no driving privileges.

New Law in Minnesota Has Lowered the Alcohol Limit

As of August 1, 2015, a law was passed to lower the blood alcohol threshold for enhanced charges.

In Minnesota, drivers with elevated BAC levels of .16% or higher will be charged with gross misdemeanors.

This aggravating factor poses more severe penalties, including a one-year loss of your driver’s license and up to one year in jail. Prior to this law, the aggravating limit was .20.

A Conviction Affects Your Ability to Operate ALL Motor Vehicles

In August 2018, the law in Minnesota was changed to prohibit someone convicted of DWI from operating any motor vehicle at all.

Someone who is convicted of DWI after being pulled over in their personal vehicle will not be allowed to operate a snowmobile, motorboat, or ATV for as long as their license is suspended.

The same is true for the inverse; you will be banned from driving your car because you were found to be operating a snowmobile, motorboat, or ATV while intoxicated.

Furthermore, the legal change allows chemical testing, conditional releases, and plate impoundment to be used against first-time DWI suspects who were using an off-road recreational vehicle.

In the past, such stipulations could only be imposed against someone using a highway-approved vehicle with licensing.

Can I Fight My DWI Charges on My Own?

Entrusting your case to a lawyer can ensure that someone who is familiar with the law, the tactics used by prosecutors, and the most effective methods for defending clients’ rights is working to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our DWI lawyers in Minneapolis have decades of experience representing clients charged with all types of drunk driving offenses.

We have the resources that could make a difference in your case.

With so much on the line, why would you risk handling these matters on your own?

How Can an Attorney Help My DWI Case?

If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), it is essential to seek legal representation. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in DWI cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Here are some ways that an attorney can help your case:

  • Knowledge of the Law: A skilled DWI attorney will have an in-depth understanding of the local laws and regulations concerning DWI. They will be familiar with the nuances of the legal system, and they can use this knowledge to build a strong defense for your case.
  • Evaluate the Evidence: A lawyer can assess the evidence against you and determine if it was collected legally. They can also look for errors or inconsistencies in the evidence that could weaken the prosecution's case against you.
  • Protect Your Rights: A DWI lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They can advise you on how to interact with law enforcement and the court, and they can help ensure that your rights are not violated at any point during the proceedings.
  • Negotiate with Prosecutors: An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutors to try to reduce the charges against you or seek a plea bargain. They can also advocate for alternative sentencing options, such as community service or rehab programs.
  • Provide Emotional Support: Being charged with a DWI can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. A lawyer can provide emotional support and guidance during this difficult time.

Act Fast – Call Us 24/7 for a Free Consultation!

The truth is disregarding criminal charges of any type will never yield a good result. It is important to be proactive. After all, this is your life and future at stake. Speaking with the Minneapolis DWI attorneys at our firm is a great way to take the initiative and start turning the situation around. Led by former prosecutors and Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists, we are prepared to answer your questions and provide the counsel and representation you need.

Get your free consultation with a Minneapolis DWI attorney today by dialing (612) 444-5020.

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.

  • DWI DWI

    Client was pulled over for speeding, and eventually charged with driving under the influence even though his blood alcohol content was .07 and less than the legal limit. Attorney Hillary Parsons set the matter for trial because she believed that the State could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that client was actually under the influence of alcohol. On the morning of trial, the State agreed to resolve the matter as a petty misdemeanor careless driving. Because petty misdemeanors are not considered crimes

  • 1st Degree Sale, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon Avoided Jail Time
  • Disorderly Conduct Case Dismissed
  • DWI 2nd Degree – No Jail Time DWI
  • HRO – DISMISSED HRO Dismissed

Making a Difference for OUR CLIENTS

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Why Choose Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.?

  • We’ll start your case with a FREE, no-obligation consultation
  • Attorney Joseph Tamburino is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, achieved by only 3% of Attorneys
  • We have represented thousands of clients and we have handled hundreds of jury trials
  • Our attorneys have worked as prosecutors and public defenders throughout the state
  • Our team is available 24/7 – when our clients need us, we’re there for them

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