Over Two Decades Of Experience Defending The People Of St. Paul
St. Paul DWI Lawyer
Nearly one in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI conviction. DWI checkpoints, random stops and driving conduct are some precursors that lead to arrests. However, sometimes an arrest does not meet the legally required standards of law. In these cases, your DWI may be dismissed after a variety of legal motions and filings with the court. Whether there is merit to the charges or not, you must have a St. Paul DWI lawyer in your corner throughout the entire process.
At Lesch Law Firm, you have experienced attorneys who negotiate your case to receive the fairest result. Attorney John Lesch prosecuted DWIs for the City of St. Paul for 15 years, so he understands the weak points in any DWI case.
Defense Against Different Types Of DWI Charges In Minnesota
The history of Minnesota DWI law stems from decades-old DWI (driving while intoxicated), statutes, interrupted by a period where the crime was called DUI (driving under the influence), and now exists on the books as DWI (driving while impaired). While the permissible blood alcohol limit has changed over the years, the elements of these crimes remain, essentially, the same. Since 2005, the legal blood alcohol limit has been .08%.
If you test over that limit, you violate the DWI law even if you pass every field sobriety test. On the other hand, if your blood alcohol tests at .05%, but police can show that alcohol impaired your ability to drive, you still violate the statute. This is why nearly every driver charged with DWI in Minnesota will see two charges on their criminal complaint (1) driving while impaired, and (2) over .08% BAC. A conviction to either charge will have the same effect on your record. Different types of DWI are listed below:
- Boating while intoxicated
- OWI – if operating any type of vehicle under the influence
- Commercial DWI
- Underage DWI
- Nonresident DWI
Further, A DWI charge can be aggravated by any of these factors:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .20%
- A minor present in the vehicle at the time of the offense
- Bodily injury caused in an accident due to intoxication
- Previous DWI charges within the past 10 years
Consequences of a conviction may include vehicle forfeiture, license suspension or revocation, the installation of an ignition interlock device, B-card restrictions, whiskey plates, jail time and fines. You could be dealt any combination of these consequences, depending on the charge.
Giving You Solid Advice In Minnesota
Call Lesch Law Firm when you face a DWI arrest. Make the call to a St. Paul DWI lawyer as soon as possible, and do so before you make any statements to law enforcement. Even if you aren’t sure you should submit to field sobriety testing, we can give you the right advice. Refusing to take a test is a crime in Minnesota, and your license can be taken away.
There are criminal, civil, employment and financial consequences to a DWI charge, which is why having a DWI/DUI attorney representing you and protecting your rights is important from the beginning of the process.
Contact A St. Paul DWI Lawyer In Minnesota
A DWI arrest usually results in a criminal charge and a mark on your driving record. If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI, speak to a DWI defense attorney immediately. Having the proper representation by your side makes all the difference in the long term consequences of your case. To learn more about how Lesch Law Firm can help you, call (651) 302-7009 and request a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Minnesota
Yes. A DUI arrest in Minnesota can affect far more than your criminal record. Many people are surprised to learn they may also face driver’s license revocation, ignition interlock requirements, increased insurance costs, vehicle forfeiture issues, probation conditions, and mandatory alcohol treatment requirements.
An experienced DWI defense lawyer can review whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the officer followed proper testing procedures, and whether the state has sufficient evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Even in cases where the evidence appears strong, there may still be opportunities to reduce the penalties or avoid long-term consequences.
The first few days after a DUI arrest are often confusing and stressful. In Minnesota, a DWI arrest can trigger both a criminal case and a separate administrative action against your driver’s license.
Depending on the circumstances, you may receive:
- A notice of license revocation
- A temporary driving permit
- Court dates and release conditions
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Vehicle forfeiture notices
What happens next often depends on factors such as your alcohol concentration, whether you refused testing, prior offenses, and whether an accident occurred. Acting quickly can be important because certain deadlines apply to challenging license revocations and related penalties.
Yes. Many people arrested for DWI do not believe they were impaired at the time of the stop. However, Minnesota law allows prosecutors to pursue charges based on alcohol concentration levels, officer observations, field sobriety testing, driving conduct, and other evidence.
It is also important to understand that people can appear calm or cooperative during a traffic stop and still be charged with driving while impaired. Every case depends on the specific facts, and assumptions about guilt or innocence should not be made based solely on the arrest itself.
Minnesota has an implied consent law, which means drivers can face penalties for refusing a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest. In some situations, a refusal can carry consequences that are as serious — or more serious — than a failed test.
However, refusal cases are often highly fact-specific. Issues involving probable cause, the legality of the stop, advisory procedures, and the testing process itself may all become important parts of the defense.
Possibly. A DUI arrest in Minnesota can result in an immediate license revocation, even before the criminal case is resolved.
The length of the revocation can vary depending on:
- Prior DWI history
- Alcohol concentration level
- Whether testing was refused
- Whether an accident occurred
- Whether a child was present in the vehicle
Some drivers may qualify for limited driving privileges or ignition interlock programs, while others may face longer-term restrictions.
Some can. Every DWI case should be carefully reviewed for weaknesses in the evidence or procedural issues.
Potential defense issues may include:
- Illegal traffic stops
- Problems with field sobriety testing
- Improper chemical testing procedures
- Medical explanations for symptoms
- Violations of constitutional rights
- Inaccurate officer observations
No lawyer can promise a specific outcome, but a detailed review of the facts can sometimes uncover opportunities to reduce the charges or challenge the state’s case.
A DWI conviction can remain on your criminal and driving record for many years and may affect employment opportunities, insurance rates, professional licensing, and background checks.
In some situations, expungement may eventually be available. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case, the level of the offense, and the amount of time that has passed without additional criminal issues.
In most situations, it is wise to speak with a lawyer before answering additional questions from law enforcement. Statements made after an arrest can later be used by prosecutors in court, even if the individual believed they were simply trying to explain themselves.
Remaining respectful while exercising your right to legal counsel is often the safest approach.
