Bloomington 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer

2nd Offense DUI Attorney In Bloomington, MN

Driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving under the influence (DUI), is more than just a serious crime in Bloomington. A DUI conviction also comes with lifelong impacts like severe criminal penalties and serious repercussions on future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. If you find yourself facing a second DUI offense, it’s critical that you hire a skilled Bloomington 2nd Offense DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

Devoted DUI Defense in Bloomington, MN

At Santana Law, PLLC, our devoted legal team shares comprehensive experience representing clients in complex criminal cases. Our founding attorney, Ronnie Santana, has experience working as both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, giving our firm a unique edge in criminal cases. When you’re facing a potential DUI in Bloomington, you can trust Santana Law to stand by you as a trusted legal advocate.

Because a second DUI conviction can come with severe consequences, it’s imperative that you seek legal help sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to reach out to our firm to learn more about your rights during a 2nd offense DUI case in Bloomington.

A Bit About DWIs in Minnesota

Drunk driving can cause serious injury or death to innocent civilians, which is why it’s prosecuted so harshly across the country. Still, one in 50 drivers in the United States has been involved in a DUI incident in the past five years.

Furthermore, Minnesota is among the states with the highest number of DUIs on record. Recent data shows that about one in seven drivers in Minnesota has a DWI on their record. Additionally, 43% of DWI offenders convicted in recent years were repeat offenders.

The risk of harm is great with drunk driving incidents, which is why it’s important to have laws in place to keep these behaviors at bay. In a single year, 2,228 people in Minnesota suffered injuries from an alcohol-related car accident. Because DUI laws are harsh and become complex quickly, retaining a skilled defense lawyer is critical in fighting a potential conviction.

Understanding DUI Laws in Bloomington

You can be charged with a DWI in Minnesota if you are found operating a vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Even with a first-time offense, you can lose your license for up to a year and pay hefty fines. Additionally, you can even receive jail time.

Because driving under the influence is dangerous to more than just the defendant partaking in the action, repeat offenders are prosecuted harshly. If you are charged with a second DUI, you can expect enhanced penalties and a more severe impact on your criminal record. Offenders with three or more DWIs within a 10-year period can expect to be charged with a felony for any subsequent DWI offenses.

Some DUI cases result in drivers having to install an ignition interlock device (IID). This device requires you to test your BAC every time you drive and intermittently while you are driving on long trips.

Repeat offenders with three or more DWIs are required to have an IID for three to six years. Second-time offenders may be able to choose to have the IID installed to recover their driving privileges sooner than originally stated. You can discuss with your lawyer whether or not this is a viable option for you.

Work With a Dependable 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer in Bloomington

Facing a DWI charge in Minnesota is a big deal, especially if it’s your second offense. While you’re allowed to represent yourself in these types of cases, it’s highly advised to seek legal counsel from a Bloomington 2nd offense DUI lawyer. A skilled defense lawyer can fight the evidence that the prosecution has collected and work to have your charges reduced or even dropped.

At Santana Law, our founding attorney has experience in a variety of legal fields, including criminal defense and, specifically, DWI defense. He is a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer, giving him a competitive edge against the criminal justice system. No matter how complex your DUI case may seem, our dedicated legal team is prepared to fight for justice and protect your rights throughout every proceeding.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Bloomington 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer Cost?

A: If you’re charged with a second DWI offense, it’s wise to get in touch with a local attorney as soon as possible. The cost of working with a Bloomington 2nd offense DUI lawyer can vary depending on the details of your case. For example, the experience of your lawyer, the severity of your charges, and the length of your case can all impact the total cost of your 2nd DUI offense lawyer in Bloomington.

Q: Is Jail Time Mandatory for a 2nd DUI Offense in Bloomington?

A: A second DWI offense carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days in Bloomington. However, your attorney could potentially negotiate a plea deal that fights for alternative sentencing options like community service. It’s wise to work with an experienced Bloomington 2nd offense DUI lawyer who can try to get your charges reduced.

Q: Can I Get My Charges for a 2nd DUI Offense Lowered or Dropped in Bloomington?

A: It can be challenging to have a DWI charge reduced or dropped in Bloomington, especially if it’s a repeat offense. However, it isn’t impossible. Getting your charges dropped requires a deep understanding of Minnesota DUI laws and criminal defense, making it imperative that you hire a DUI attorney who can help you fight the charges against you. Your attorney can investigate evidence, collect witnesses and statements, and battle the prosecution in court.

Q: Is a 2nd DUI Offense a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Bloomington?

A: A repeat DWI offense is still a misdemeanor in Minnesota if it was only the second conviction. However, if you get three or more DWIs within a 10-year period, you may be charged with a felony in Minnesota. Second DWI offenses can be charged as felonies, too, but this generally occurs only when aggravating factors are present.

Hire a DUI Lawyer That Understands Minnesota DUI Laws

At Santana Law, PLLC, you can trust our dedicated legal team to advocate for your rights throughout every step of your DUI case. While facing a 2nd DUI offense can be daunting, our team is prepared to fight for the most optimal outcome in your situation. To learn more about how we can represent you during a DWI case in Bloomington, contact us today to schedule a consultation.