DWI with Drugs Attorney in St. Paul
Facing Drugged Driving Charges In This Area? Start Fighting Back With A Free Consultation
A drugged driving arrest can disrupt your life in an instant. You may be worried about your license, your job, and what will happen in court. If you are dealing with a DWI with drugs charge in St. Paul, you do not have to sort this out alone.
Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC represents people accused of impaired driving involving drugs, including illegal substances and prescription medications. Our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined criminal defense experience in Minnesota and Wisconsin courts, and we use that background to guide clients through each step of the process.
Facing drugged driving charges? Put +50 years of collective experience in your corner. Contact a DWI with drugs lawyer in St. Paul at Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC for a free consultation. Call (651) 413-9004 or reach out online today.
Understanding DWI with Drugs Laws in Minnesota
In Minnesota, Minn. Stat. § 169A.20 makes it illegal to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance or an intoxicating substance.
The "Any Amount" Rule
For most Schedule I and II controlled substances (such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or certain opiates), Minnesota law is strict: having any amount or its metabolites in your system while driving is a crime. Unlike alcohol, the state does not need to prove you were actually "impaired" if these specific substances are detected.
Prescription Drug DWIs
Many drivers are surprised to learn they can be charged for taking medication exactly as prescribed. If a physician-prescribed drug—such as an anti-anxiety medication, sleep aid, or painkiller—impairs your ability to drive safely, you can be arrested for DWI.
While there is an affirmative defense for prescription use, it is complex and requires a St. Paul DWI with drugs attorney to properly present it in court.
Chemical Testing and Implied Consent Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Implied Consent Law means that by driving on public roads, you have already consented to chemical testing if an officer has probable cause to suspect impairment.
Search Warrants for Blood and Urine
While breath tests can often be requested without a warrant, the U.S. Supreme Court and Minnesota law generally require police to obtain a search warrant before drawing blood or collecting a urine sample for drug testing. If the police failed to secure a warrant or if the warrant was based on faulty information, our firm will fight to have the test results suppressed.
The Right to an Attorney
In Minnesota, you have a limited right to consult with an attorney before deciding whether to take a chemical test. This right must be granted within a reasonable timeframe. If the officer denied you this phone call, it may be grounds for a dismissal of the administrative license revocation.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences for a DWI with Drugs Conviction in St. Paul
A conviction for a drugged DWI carries heavy criminal and administrative penalties that can derail your life.
- Incarceration: Even a first-time misdemeanor can lead to up to 90 days in jail. Gross misdemeanors carry up to one year, and felonies can result in years in state prison.
- License Revocation: Your driving privileges can be revoked for 90 days to several years.
- Vehicle Forfeiture: For certain repeat offenses or aggravated cases, the state may seize and sell your vehicle permanently.
- Ignition Interlock: While primarily used for alcohol, repeat offenders or those with "canceled" licenses must often use an interlock and complete treatment to regain driving privileges.
- Employment Barriers: A "DWI-Drugs" conviction on a background check can disqualify you from jobs involving driving, healthcare, or government security clearances.
Why Choose Our DWI with Drugs Defense Team
When you are searching for help after a drug intoxication arrest, you need a firm that understands both the law and how cases actually move through local courts. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, our attorneys have spent decades defending people in criminal cases in Minnesota, including impaired driving matters that arise in St. Paul and the surrounding communities.
Our long history gives us a practical understanding of how prosecutors build DWI with drugs cases and how judges typically address these charges. We draw on this perspective when we evaluate the strength of the state’s evidence, assess plea offers, and prepare cases for contested hearings or trial, depending on what is appropriate.
We also know that no two clients are alike. A first-time allegation involving prescription medication raises different issues than a case involving multiple prior DWI convictions. We listen carefully to your concerns about work, family, professional licensing, and other obligations, then tailor our defense strategy with those priorities in mind.
Steps To Take After A DWI with Drugs Arrest in St. Paul
In the days following an arrest, it is common to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to protect yourself. Taking a few practical steps can help you safeguard important rights and put yourself in a better position as your case moves forward.
Consider taking these actions as soon as you can:
- Gather paperwork. Keep your citation, any temporary license, and release documents together so your attorney can review them for important dates and details.
- Write down what happened. As soon as you are able, make notes about where you were stopped, what the officer said, and how any tests were performed.
- Be cautious about conversations. Avoid discussing details of the incident on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer, since those statements could later be examined.
- Pay attention to license deadlines. Minnesota license revocation processes can involve strict time limits to request certain types of review or hearings.
- Contact a criminal defense firm promptly. Early legal guidance allows a lawyer to review reports, evaluate testing procedures, and advise you before you face important decisions in or around St. Paul.
Don't let a DWI with drugs charge destroy your future. Reach out to the team at Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC. With decades of trial experience and a legacy of results, we are ready to defend you. Call (651) 413-9004 or fill out this online form to schedule your free consultation.
What Sets Us Apart
Our team of skilled and understanding professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient services for all Clients.
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Serving St. Paul Since 1948
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Over 50 Years of Collective Experience
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Tens of Thousands of People Helped
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Hundreds of Jury Trials Handled
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Highly Involved in the Local Legal Community
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Prepare Every Case for Trial
How Our St. Paul DWI Attorneys Build Your Defense
A strong defense starts with a careful look at how the case began. Our attorneys typically begin by examining why you were stopped and whether the officer had a lawful basis to expand the encounter into an impaired driving investigation. We review video and reports when available to see whether the officer’s description matches what actually occurred.
We then look closely at any field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, or searches that led to the collection of blood or urine. Questions often arise about whether testing followed proper procedures, whether samples were handled correctly, and whether the methods used were appropriate for the substances alleged. These issues can be especially important in cases involving prescription medications.
Our firm’s experience in Minnesota criminal courts, including Ramsey County District Court, informs how we evaluate the prosecution file and prepare to challenge findings. We consider how similar cases have been charged and resolved in this area and use that knowledge to advise you about risks and potential options, such as litigation of specific issues or negotiation of a resolution.
Throughout the process, we work to keep you informed and involved. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses we see in the case, listen to your goals, and explain how each strategic choice may affect your criminal record, your license, and your day-to-day life. Our aim is to pair careful legal analysis with clear communication so that you can participate in decisions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my license after a DWI with drugs arrest?
You may face license revocation through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, even before your criminal case ends. The length and timing depend on factors such as your record and test results. Our attorneys can review your paperwork, explain deadlines, and help you understand possible options.
Can a drugged driving charge be reduced or dismissed?
Some DWI with drugs cases are resolved with reduced charges or other outcomes, although results depend on the evidence, your history, and how the court views the case. We carefully review reports, testing, and procedures, then advise you about realistic possibilities based on those details.
How do you approach prescription medication DWI with drugs cases?
We look closely at why the medication was prescribed, how you were taking it, and what the officer observed. The presence of a lawful prescription drug in a test does not automatically mean legal impairment. Our team evaluates medical and factual context to develop an appropriate defense strategy.
What will working with your firm look like day to day?
Clients can expect regular updates and clear explanations at key points in the case. We review new developments with you, answer questions, and prepare you for hearings in Ramsey County District Court or other courts. Our goal is to keep you informed and supported, not left wondering what comes next.
How quickly should I contact a DWI with drugs lawyer?
It is wise to speak with a criminal defense firm as soon as possible after an arrest. Early involvement allows us to review documents, consider license rights within strict time limits, and begin examining evidence. Reaching out promptly helps reduce uncertainty and supports a more informed response.
Take the Next Step—Call Our DWI with Drugs Lawyer in St. Paul
At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we use our decades of criminal defense experience and local knowledge to help clients work toward resolutions that protect as much of their future as possible. We take into account your prior record, your current responsibilities, and your long-term goals as we help you navigate both the criminal process and related license issues.
To discuss your situation with our attorneys, call (651) 413-9004 or reach out online now.
