Minneapolis-St. Paul DUI, DWI Attorneys: Preserving Your Right To Drive
Losing your driving privileges is one of the most difficult consequences of a DWI arrest. It disrupts the most basic aspects of your life. How will you get to work or school without a license? How will you take your children to their activities? How will you pick up groceries?
Protect Your Right To Drive: Call Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense At 612-474-5420
If you have been arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) in Minnesota, it is important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. At our firm, an experienced Minnesota attorney is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We have a long history of success in eliminating or reducing the driving penalties that go along with a DWI or DUI.
CHARGED WITH A DWI? WHAT NOW?
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Do Not Delay
You only have a limited time to challenge the automatic revocation of your driver’s license. If you do not request a hearing to challenge the revocation within 60 to 63 days, you lose this important right. Your license will be revoked and the DWI will remain on your driving record forever. Don’t wait until the last minute. It takes time to file the challenge to your license revocation. Contact us as soon as possible after your DWI arrest.
How much time you have to challenge the revocation depends on which type of test you took.
- Breath test: If you blew 0.08 or more on an Intoxilyzer 5000 breath test, you will have 60 days to challenge the automatic license revocation. Check the white piece of paper that the officer gave you that says “Notice and Order of Revocation” at the top. It states that you have a temporary license for seven days and indicates the duration of the automatic driver’s license revocation.
- Blood or urine test: If you gave a blood or urine sample that indicated an alcohol level of 0.08 or above or the presence of an illegal drug in your system, you will have 63 days to challenge the automatic license revocation. You will receive a letter stating that you have a temporary license for seven days after the date the letter was mailed before the revocation goes into effect. It will also indicate how long your revocation will last.
Stop The Spiral Before It Begins
Depending on your driving record, the loss of driving privileges can range from 90 days to permanent license revocation. The severity of this penalty often tempts people to drive without a valid license. If you are arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license, you will face additional criminal penalties and sanctions to your driving privileges. You can take steps now to avoid these risks.
Driver’s License Revocation Frequently Asked Questions
Those who are facing DUI/DWI charges and/or a driver’s license suspension often have a lot of questions about the legal process and their rights. We are here to help at Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense. Below are a few of the questions we see most often. If you have more, reach out to us today to schedule your initial consultation.
What are the common reasons for driver’s license revocation in Minnesota?
Getting a DUI or a DWI is one of the most common reasons, as a conviction comes with a license revocation. A driver who refuses a breath test could also lose their license under implied consent laws. Other reasons for revocation include driving without insurance, driving recklessly – as opposed to simple negligence – failing to pay outstanding fines or tickets, getting too many points and violations on a driving record or not appearing in court when required.
How long does a driver’s license revocation last in Minnesota?
Every case is unique, and the length of the suspension depends on the specific offense and the surrounding circumstances. For instance, refusing to take a breath test the first time can lead to a one-year suspension, but it goes up by another year for subsequent refusals. Another example is for a first-time DUI. If your breath test results are over .08% but under .015%, then the standard revocation is 90 days. If you are at or above .016%, however – twice the legal limit – then the revocation is a full year, even for a first offense.
Can I appeal a driver’s license revocation in Minnesota?
Yes, you do have the right to an appeal, but you must do it within the next 180 days. If you do, you set up an administrative hearing with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You then get the chance to present evidence and arguments to challenge the revocation, such as claiming that the results of the breath test were inaccurate. If you lose the appeal, you cannot appeal again for 12 months.
Find Out How We Can Help You
Far too often, people assume there is no way to avoid driver’s license revocation after a DWI. Do not make this mistake. Our DUI-DWI lawyers have helped people just like you retain their ability to drive after a DWI arrest. There is no risk or obligation to find out how we can help; call us at 612-474-5420.