Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

It is a crime to operate a motor vehicle when your ability to safely operate the vehicle is impaired by the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescribed medications or over the counter medications.  Even if you believe that you are not impaired, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle when your Blood Alcohol Concentration is .08 or higher.  You can be arrested for a DWI even if your BAC does not exceed the State limit of .08 and the officer believes your ability is impaired. 

Refusing to take a test is considered a crime.  It will also affect the timing of when you would be eligible to legally drive again. 

It is illegal for you to have any alcohol at all in your system if you are under 21 and operating a motor vehicle. 

Criminal Penalties and Civil Penalties

A DWI conviction will carry criminal penalties and fines.  With the changes in laws over the years, it is possible that your DWI conviction may result in a felony conviction and prison time. 

Your DWI conviction will also have an effect on your driving privileges. There will be increased insurance costs, reinstatement fees, penalties and requirements in addition to your criminal case.  These items will need to be satisfied with the State before your driving privileges will be reinstated.

Contact A Lawyer Immediately

Receiving a DWI can be a scary and confusing quagmire. There are deadlines for filing the proper motions and paper work to secure your rights. In certain instances it is also possible to get your driver’s license privileges reinstated until the outcome of your case.   If you have been accused of a DWI call Patrick Flanagan immediately at (651) 214-7209, or email him at PatrickFlanagan@Flanaganlawsite.com

All information contained in this site is general in nature.  The material stated above is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.  If you are in need of legal advice concerning a particular matter, you should contact an attorney who can assist you with your situation.