If you are arrested in Minnesota and charged with drunk driving, you may or may not be able to mitigate your circumstances and resolve your case without a conviction. Often, your chances of achieving a positive outcome in court are greater if the charge is for a first offense. However, certain issues can make matters worse and may even cause you to have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
An IID is a device that prevents you from being able to start your car, unless and until you take a breath test and register negative for alcohol. The court does not order people facing DWI charges to install such devices as standard procedure. However, a criminal court judge may feel compelled to do so if certain issues exist in your case.
Mandated IID installation following a DWI conviction
Here are several issues that might prompt a judge to order you to install an IID in your vehicle:
- You took a chemical Breathalyzer test, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level was .16 or higher.
- You had another DWI conviction within the past decade.
- When you were arrested for suspected DWI, a child was in your vehicle.
- You refused to take a chemical Breathalyzer or blood test following your arrest.
You also have the option of volunteering to install an IID if the court doesn’t order you to do so, which may help you avoid a driver’s license suspension.
Choosing the best course of action
Whether it’s the first time you’ve faced DWI charges in Minnesota or you’ve been to court for similar charges in the past, you’ll have a better chance of obtaining a favorable outcome if you ask an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. By calling the office of Ryan Pacyga, Criminal Defense to schedule a consultation, you can be confident that an experienced attorney is ready and able to help you defend your rights.