Mistakes to Avoid after a Minnesota DWI Stop

So you've been accused of driving while intoxicated. While the legal system is complex, your Minnesota DWI attorney should be able to help you navigate the system and aid you in obtaining the least severe penalties possible. The following are mistakes to avoid after your Minnesota DWI arrest.

Not Hiring a Lawyer

Hire a Minnesota DWI attorney immediately after your arrest. He will be the only person familiar enough with Minnesota DWI penalties to help you through gather evidence, witnesses, and possibly even beat the accusations against you.

Hiring a Cheap Minnesota DWI Attorney

The cheapest lawyer is not necessarily the best lawyer. The state of Minnesota has unlimited resources when it comes to gathering evidence and convicting you. If you don't give your lawyer enough time (aka money per hour) to work on your case he will not be able to properly defend you. Look for reasonable rates - not necessarily the lowest.

Speaking to Prosecutors without a Lawyer Present

After your DWI arrest you may be interviewed by police officers or prosecutors, especially if you were involved in an accident that caused injury or involving vehicular manslaughter. If this is the case you should refuse to speak to anyone without your lawyer present. Doing so may cause you to become flustered and say something that can incriminate you or be used against you when your case goes to trial.

Not Obtaining a Provisional License

The state of Minnesota has provisions that allow individuals who have been convicted of a DWI to apply for a restricted driver's license. If you are a first offender over the age of 21 you can apply for a provisional license after the first 15 days of license revocation. A restricted license will allow you to travel to work, to a rehabilitation center, and to institutions necessary for the health and well being of your family.

Not Appearing in Court

After a Minnesota DWI arrest you may be held in prison until your first hearing, at which point you may post bail and will be assigned another court date. Failure to appear in court at the mandated time will result in heavier sentencing when you are caught as well as additional penalties for your failure to appear alone.

Not Treating Your DWI Conviction Seriously

Many offenders, especially younger first time offenders, tend to shrug off their DWI arrests, believing that first offenders are given lighter sentences and that they will have no problems. The truth is that a Minnesota DWI conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life and if you don't take it seriously, hire a Minnesota DWI lawyer, and start working on your case you could end up with higher penalties than you originally anticipated.

Contact a Minnesota DWI attorney at your first opportunity after a DWI arrest. Doing so will make a huge difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.