Minneapolis 1st Time DUI Lawyer

1st Time DUI Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Because driving while intoxicated puts both the driver and others on the road at risk, state laws in Minnesota prosecute intoxicated driving offenses harshly. Even if you’re a first-time offender, a DWI conviction can come with lasting consequences that impact your livelihood and your future. A Minneapolis 1st time DUI lawyer like Ronnie Santana can help you better understand the charges against you and build a powerful defense on your behalf.​

Choose Santana Law, PLLC

​You don’t need to face your first-time DUI charges alone. Turn to Santana Law, PLLC, for compassionate, effective legal help. Founding attorney Ronnie Santana has been representing Minneapolis residents facing DWI charges for years, working to protect their futures and driving privileges. Offering defense services in both English and Spanish, Ronnia Santana is dedicated to representing the rights of those who need it most with professionalism.

​​What Is Considered Intoxicated Driving in Minneapolis?

​From 2020 to 2024, there were 668 alcohol-related fatalities on Minnesota roads and another 1,926 serious injuries. Like other states, Minnesota has a strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08%. If you’re over the age of 21 and you test 0.08% or higher on a breathalyzer, you can be charged with a DWI in Minneapolis. If you blow over 0.16%, you’ll then face enhanced penalties thanks to the state’s aggravated BAC limit.​

It’s also important to note that if you’re under 21 in Minnesota, there is a zero-tolerance policy in place. This means having a BAC above 0.0% is considered impaired.​

Penalties for a First-Time DWI in Minneapolis

​If you were arrested for a first-time DWI in Minneapolis, it’s important that you understand the definition of your charge and the weight it carries. Potential penalties for a first-time DWI conviction in Minneapolis can vary depending on the severity of your case. If you’re convicted, a judge from the Hennepin County District Court must respect the state-mandated sentencing maximums when assigning your penalties.  ​

Maximum penalties for a first-time DWI in Minneapolis can include:​

• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
• A 90-day license suspension
• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Potential installation of an ignition interlock device

If you’re arrested for driving while intoxicated on a busy road like Franklin Avenue or I-35, it’s crucial that you do not wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can begin protecting your rights and fighting the charges against you.

​Understanding Aggravated DWIs in Minneapolis​

If there are any aggravating factors present in your Minneapolis DWI case, it can move your first-time DWI offense from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a third- or second-degree misdemeanor. Aggravating factors can include:​

• A BAC of 0.16% or higher
• Having a child under 16 in your vehicle
• Refusing to submit to chemical testing
• Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled

One aggravating factor can move your charges from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree gross misdemeanor in Minnesota. Two aggravating factors can make it a second-degree gross misdemeanor.​

If you’re convicted of an aggravated DWI in Minneapolis, the state will also seize your license plates and suspend your license for at least one year. You may also be issued a limited license upon your license reinstatement. Limited licenses in Minnesota only allow you to drive to certain places at certain times and require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

​Hire a DUI Lawyer in Minneapolis​

If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Minneapolis, you are not out of options. An experienced DWI lawyer from Santana Law, PLLC, is ready to protect your rights and help you navigate complex legal proceedings with support and clarity. When you hire a skilled DWI lawyer like Ronnie Santana, you can trust that an experienced professional is working tirelessly to advocate for your future and build a defense that protects your livelihood.

Meet Our Founding Attorney – Roonie Santana Ronnie Santana is the founding attorney at Santana Law PLLC,serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with dedicated felony criminal defense representation. With extensive experience handling serious felony charges, he provides strategic, aggressive advocacy focused on protecting your rights, limiting exposure, and pursuing the best possible outcome. Ronnie’s client-first approach ensures every case receives personal attention and a strong defense. View Profile

FAQs

​How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Minnesota?

The cost to hire a DWI lawyer in Minnesota depends on the unique details involved with your charge. For example, if your case is simple and you want to take a plea bargain, it will cost less than a complicated DUI case requiring evidence collection and defense litigation. Generally, the length of time it takes your case to settle, whether a trial is involved, and the experience of your lawyer can all impact the total price you pay.​

What Is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the official term for the charge is driving while intoxicated, or DWI. However, DUI is a common term used throughout the country, often resulting in the two terms being used interchangeably. While you may hear the term driving under the influence, or “DUI,” in Minnesota, it’s important to note that the official charge in the state is known as a DWI.​

What Happens When You Get a DWI for the First Time in Minnesota?

Generally, when you get a DWI for the first time in Minnesota, you’re charged with a misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a first-time DWI in Minnesota, you can face penalties of up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines, plus a license revocation. However, the court can also impose alternative sentencing such as probation, community service, or a shorter jail time for first-time offenders.

Can a DWI Be Dismissed in Minnesota?​

Yes, it is possible for a DWI to be dismissed in Minnesota. However, it may only occur under certain circumstances. Your lawyer will have to show that you have specific legal grounds for requesting a dismissal. Those grounds can include police misconduct, illegal traffic stops, or faulty chemical testing. Your attorney may need to file motions to suppress evidence on these grounds to get the charges dismissed.​

Contact Santana Law, PLLC, Today

​At Santana Law, PLLC, Ronnie Santana understands just how much is at stake when you’re facing a DWI charge in Minneapolis. That’s why he leverages his extensive experience, in-depth legal knowledge, and negotiation skills to fight for you. To protect yourself and your future during a 1st-time intoxicated driving charge in Minneapolis, contact the office to schedule an appointment today.

Minneapolis,MN Felony Legal Resources

• Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
• Hennepin County District Court – Criminal Division
• Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure – Appendix of Forms
• Criminal Case FAQ – Hennepin County District Court

About Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and home to a diverse population, multiple universities, and a busy urban core. With more than 400,000 residents and thousands of commuters traveling in daily, the city sees a wide range of criminal charges—from DUI and drug-related offenses to assault, theft, and felony-level allegations. Criminal matters arising in Minneapolis are typically handled through the Hennepin County District Court, located downtown, with law enforcement actions led by the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police, University of Minnesota Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Because Minneapolis includes entertainment districts such as Downtown East, North Loop, Uptown, Dinkytown, and Stadium Village, the city frequently experiences arrests tied to nightlife-related incidents, disorderly conduct, traffic stops, and alcohol-related offenses. The city’s proximity to major highways—including I-94, I-35W, and Hwy 55—also contributes to an increase in traffic and vehicle-based criminal allegations such as reckless driving, DWI, and vehicle-related drug offenses.