Felony DWI offenses are the most serious when it comes to Minnesota DWI laws. This accusation should not be taken lightly. Not only will you most likely lose your license, but you could also be looking at mandatory jail time.

You could be looking at a felony DWI if:

• You have been convicted of three or more prior DWI offenses in the past ten years
• You have been accused of criminal vehicular operation

A felony DWI is also called a first degree offense and is punishable by up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine. The state will also impound the license plates of the driver and may also seek a forfeiture of the driver’s vehicle. That means the State would retain the vehicle without compensation to the owner.

If facing a felony first degree DWI, you could also be looking at a mandatory jail holding until the first court appearance if:

• The new DWI violation occurs within 10 years of 3 or more prior impaired driving convictions
• The new DWI violation is the 2nd offense and the defendant is under 19 years of age;
• The new violation occurs with a Blood Alcohol concentration of .20 or more at the time or within 2 hours of the driving conduct
• The New DWI occurs and the driver’s license has been cancelled as inimical to public safety.

You could also be looking at a felony DWI offense if you are convicted of criminal vehicular operation (CVO) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The state of Minnesota classified six different levels of a CVO offense, all of which can occur if you are caught drinking and driving. They include:

• Criminal vehicular homicide – DWI driving that causes death but does not constitute murder or manslaughter
• Great bodily harm – DWI driving that causes serious permanent injury such as paralysis or brain damage to the victim
• Substantial bodily harm – DWI driving that causes temporary substantial injury
• Death of an unborn child – DWI driving that result in the serious injury of a pregnant women and results in the death of her child.
• Injury to an unborn child – DWI driving that results in a serious injury to a pregnant women and her unborn child. Even if the mother is physically fine, the trauma and impact of the accident could still harm the unborn child.
• Bodily harm – DWI driving that result in any pain or injury to the victim. If the injury is minor, then you could get be looking at CVO- bodily harm which is considered a gross misdemeanor. All other CVO crimes are felony offenses.

If you are found guilty of a CVO crime, you are looking at a jail sentence of 48 months if you are first time offender.

Call Judith Samson, Minnesota DWI Lawyer at 612-333-8001 Today!

It goes without saying that a felony DWI is a serious criminal conviction that could tarnish your personal and professional reputation and ruin your chance of ever driving again. However, just because you have been accused of a DWI or CVO offense does not mean you are automatically found guilty. With the right Minneapolis felony DWI lawyer, you may be able to avoid this serious criminal conviction and possibly walk away with a clean slate. It all depends on your situation, your representation and what county court you are facing.

For fast, effective and aggressive legal representation, contact experienced Minneapolis DWI attorney Judith Samson 24/7 at 612-333-8001.