St. Paul Felony DWI Attorneys
Skillfully Fighting Serious DUI Charges
In some situations, driving while impaired in Minnesota is a felony. The level of charge depends on whether the driver has any previous DWI convictions or whether anyone was harmed because the driver got behind the wheel while under the influence. The conviction penalties for a felony DWI are much steeper than those imposed for a misdemeanor offense. The driver may be subject to years of imprisonment (with mandatory minimums), tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and a lengthy driver's license revocation period. If you have been charged with a felony DWI in St. Paul, your rights and future are on the line. Therefore, it is crucial to turn to a skilled DUI attorney to defend you.
At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we are aware of the significant impacts a felony DWI conviction in St. Paul, MN, can have on your life. That is why we are prepared to do everything in our legal power to seek a favorable result on your behalf. Our team recognizes that several factors can lead to a DUI accusation, some of which have nothing to do with being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. We also know that overzealous law enforcement officials can sometimes make unlawful traffic stops or arrests, which can invalidate the evidence collected. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your arrest, we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine how to develop a robust defense for you.
DWI lawyers, call us at (651) 413-9004 or contact us online.
What Sets Us Apart
Our team of skilled and understanding professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient services for all Clients.
-
Serving St. Paul Since 1948
-
Over 50 Years of Collective Experience
-
Tens of Thousands of People Helped
-
Hundreds of Jury Trials Handled
-
Highly Involved in the Local Legal Community
-
Prepare Every Case for Trial
What Is a DWI in Minnesota?
Before discussing instances in which a DWI can be charged as a felony, let us first review what driving while impaired is. According to Minnesota Statutes § 169A.20 a person commits the offense when they are in control of a moving or parked vehicle while under the influence.
Specifically, the law provides that a person is impaired when they:
- Have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more,
- Are under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or intoxicating substance, or
- Have any amount of a Schedule I or II drug in their system
What Is a Felony DWI in Minnesota?
As mentioned earlier, several circumstances exist in which a person may be charged with a felony DWI.
Previous DWI Convictions
A felony DWI in Minnesota can be levied when the driver has one or more prior driving while impaired convictions.
A person may be charged with a felony DWI when they were previously convicted of:
- A felony DWI violation,
- A felony criminal vehicular operation violation resulting in injury or death, or
- Three DWI violations or three or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents (Minn. Stat. 169.03, subdivisions 20-22) in the past 10 years.
When a person has previous driving under the influence convictions as listed above, the offense is referred to as a first-degree DWI.
Criminal Vehicular Operation Violations
Another way a person may be charged with felony DWI is if they operated a vehicle while impaired and they caused harm to another person.
The specific criminal vehicular operation offenses are as follows:
- Causing great bodily harm (Minnesota Statutes § 609.2113)
- Causing substantial bodily harm (Minnesota Statutes § 609.2113)
- Causing death (Minnesota Statutes § 609.2112)
Being charged with a felony-level DWI under any circumstances is serious. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, our St. Paul felony DWI attorneys will provide the legal representation you need, regardless of the charge you are facing.
To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our St. Paul felony DWI lawyers, call us at (651) 413-9004 or contact us online.
What Are the Penalties for a Felony DWI in Minnesota?
The punishments a driver can face upon a conviction depend on the facts of their case.
Below are potential penalties for felony-level DWI convictions:
- First-degree DWI:
- Up to 7 years of imprisonment
- Minimum of 180 days in jail
- Up to $14,000 in fines
- Conditional release for 5 years
- Driver's license revocation for 4 years
- CVO substantial bodily harm:
- Up to 3 years of imprisonment
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Driver's license revocation for 2 years
- CVO great bodily harm:
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Driver's license revocation for 5 years
- CVO homicide:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment
- Up to $20.000 in fines
- Driver's license revocation for 6 years
If you want to seek to avoid or minimize the penalties of a DWI conviction, you need aggressive defense on your side. Our felony DWI lawyers in St. Paul will fight relentlessly for you throughout your case.
Understanding the Consequences of a Felony DUI
A felony DUI charge can have serious implications for your life, including significant legal penalties, increased insurance rates, and potential impacts on employment opportunities. It's crucial to fully understand the consequences you may face and how they can affect your future. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we are committed to providing you with the guidance you need to navigate this challenging situation.
Here are some key consequences of a felony DUI that you should be aware of:
- Severe Penalties: Felony DUI charges can lead to substantial fines, lengthy jail sentences, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs.
- License Revocation: A felony conviction often results in the loss of your driving privileges for an extended period, impacting your daily life and work commute.
- Employment Challenges: Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can hinder your job prospects, especially in fields requiring driving or public safety.
- Increased Insurance Costs: After a felony DUI, you may face skyrocketing insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage altogether.
- Long-term Record Impact: A felony conviction stays on your record, which can affect various aspects of your life, including housing applications and educational opportunities.
Understanding these potential consequences is the first step in addressing your felony DUI charge. Our experienced legal team is here to help you explore your options and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Don't face this challenge alone—contact us today for a free consultation.
To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our St. Paul felony
Understanding the Legal Process for Felony DWI Cases
Facing a felony DWI charge can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Our team of experienced attorneys at Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC is here to guide you through the legal process and provide you with the support you need during this challenging time.
When it comes to felony DWI cases in Minnesota, there are several key steps in the legal process:
- Arrest: If you are arrested for a felony DWI, you will be taken into custody and booked.
- Arraignment: You will appear in court to hear the charges against you and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially reach a plea agreement or prepare for trial.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and information related to the case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case.
- Trial: If the case goes to trial, evidence will be presented, and a verdict will be reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, you will be sentenced based on the severity of the offense and any aggravating factors.
Our team will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf and advocate for the best possible outcome in your felony DWI case. today for a consultation to discuss your legal options.
Get Legal Help Fighting Your St. Paul Felony DWI Charge
Navigating a DUI case is tricky, which is why handling yours without a skilled attorney on your side can be detrimental. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we are prepared to stand up for you and guide you through every stage of your case.
Learn more about how our St. Paul felony DWI attorneys can help by contacting us at (651) 413-9004.
