Repeat DUI Becomes a Felony in Minnesota
There are several ways you can be charged with a felony DWI in Minnesota:
1. If you are convicted of DWI for a fourth time within 10 years of three other DWI convictions (or implied consent license revocation, or a combination thereof from separate incidents),
it is a felony.
2. If you cause an accident due to drunk driving, it can also be handled as a felony (Criminal Vehicular Operation). If another person suffers "great bodily harm" (such as a broken arm) in a DWI accident which you caused while under the influence or over .08, then you will be charged with Criminal Vehicular Operation as a felony.
3. If you commit a simple DWI which would otherwise be a felony BUT you have been previously convicted of a felony DWI or felony CVH (Criminal Vehicular Operation) anytime in your lifetime (not just within the last 10 years), then your simple Misdemeanor DWI becomes a Felony DWI that could send you to prison.
The consequences of a felony DWI can be extremely detrimental to your rights, freedoms and future. Penalties include up to seven years in prison. We are ready to help and defend you--we have represented many people charged with felony DWI and Criminal Vehicular Operation or Criminal Vehicular Homicide.
Put a Skilled Minneapolis and St. Paul Repeat DUI Offense Attorney on Your Side
Keller Law Offices provides effective defense of your felony charges. The seven-year jail time penalty can be especially harmful to many areas of your life — from loss of job to personal relationships that will suffer. Attorney Max A. Keller is skilled in arguing for dismissal, acquittal at trial, and/or reduced sentencing. He has a long record of successfully obtaining sentencing for our clients which is well below minimum mandatory requirements.
Our attorney explores all options for reducing the consequences a Felony DWI Conviction has on your life. We look at your individual circumstances and strive to help you avoid all penalties, which can include:
- Loss of driver's license
- Job loss
- Ineligibility for employment and housing
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Loss of the right to bear arms/firearms rights--including the ability to hunt, join the military, or become a police officer
- A statutory ban on holding certain jobs, including running for public offense
- may me prohibited by DHS rules from working as a nurse, physical therapist, CNA (certified nursing assistant), etc.
To learn more about how to avoid a felony DWI conviction or felony CVH conviction which can ruin your life, schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney who has full knowledge of Minnesota DWI laws and can fight felony charges.
