Minneapolis DWI/DUI Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested for drunk driving or DWI/DUI, you face confusing procedures and consequences that can be more severe than in most other types of crimes. Every DWI will result in some sort of license revocation. At the law firm of Scrimshire, Martineau, Gonko & Vavreck in Minneapolis, our defense lawyers offer a free initial consultation to explain your rights and your options if you have been arrested for DWI or DUI (also known as OUI in Wisconsin).
In addition to criminal consequences, you face an immediate threat to your driving privileges from the Department of Motor Vehicles. This civil procedure is separate from your criminal case, and your driver's license can be suspended even if you are found not guilty of the criminal DWI/DUI/OUI charge. You only have 30 days after arrest to challenge the revocation of your driver's license.
Drinking and driving is not illegal in Minnesota or Wisconsin. However, you can be charged with DWI/DUI/OUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) measures more than 0.08 percent. If you have a commercial driver's license, you can be charged if your BAC measures 0.04 percent. However, breath test machines are not infallible, and those results can be challenged in court for a variety of reasons.
The police must have a legal reason to pull you over and cannot arrest you for DUI/DWI/OUI without probable cause. The police will ask you incriminating questions such as "Have you been drinking?" without any Miranda advisement of your right to remain silent and your right to consult with an attorney. The officer may then subject you to a series of field sobriety tests. These tests are difficult to perform when sober and nearly impossible for anyone to pass after having just a couple of drinks. You do not have to answer incriminating questions, and you do not have to take field sobriety tests. If you do, you will likely give the police evidence to use against you.
Our defense attorneys understand the law as well as the science of blood alcohol analysis. Many general practice attorneys do not have the training or experience required to handle these cases. Our lawyers have obtained exceptional results for clients charged with DUI/DWI/OUI and drunk driving accidents throughout the Twin Cities metro area, Greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Free attorney consultation: To discuss your DUI/DWI/OUI defense case with a lawyer at no charge, call 612-659-9500 or fill out our contact form. Se habla español.
