Minneapolis 2nd Time DUI Defense Lawyer

2nd Time DUI Defense Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Intoxicated driving is prosecuted harshly throughout Minnesota. However, when you face your second or subsequent DUI in Minnesota, the consequences of a conviction are even steeper than a first-time charge. This makes it essential that you hire an experienced Minneapolis 2nd time DUI defense lawyer who can help you build a powerful defense and fight the charges against you.

Trust Santana Law, PLLC to Fight for You

​Ronnie Santana, the founding attorney at Santana Law, PLLC, has extensive experience navigating complex intoxicated driving cases throughout Minnesota. As a skilled criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, Ronnie Santana has the knowledge, insight, and experience needed to fight DWI charges and protect the futures of his clients. No matter how severe your 2nd time DUI may be, Ronnie Santana is ready to help.​

​​Understanding Minnesota’s DUI Laws​

As a resident of Minnesota, it is important to note that the official, legal intoxicated driving charge is referred to as driving while intoxicated, or DWI. Because many other states refer to this charge as a DUI, or driving under the influence, you may see these terms used interchangeably.

​Minnesota’s DUI laws prohibit drivers from operating motor vehicles while they are under the influence of:

• Alcohol
• Controlled substances
• Known intoxicants
• Cannabis
• Any combination of these substances

In Minnesota, as in other states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, or 0.04% for commercial vehicles. These vehicles include not just cars and trucks but also motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft.​

DUI charges in Minnesota are still possible even if your BAC is under 0.08%. If an officer believes you are impaired and cannot drive safely, it doesn’t matter if you blow under the legal limit on a breathalyzer. A combination of failed field sobriety tests, erratic driving, and the smell of alcohol on your breath is enough to warrant an arrest.

Alternatively, if you blow over the legal limit, it’s considered a per se DUI in Minnesota. The results of chemical testing are all that’s required to arrest and prosecute someone for a per se DUI offense, meaning you don’t need to be driving poorly to be arrested.

​Penalties for a 2nd DUI in Minneapolis

​If you’re caught drunk driving on one of the Twin Cities’ busy roads, such as I-35 or I-394, you’ll face steeper penalties if you already have one DUI on your record. While your first DUI is considered a misdemeanor in Minneapolis, a second DUI is considered a gross misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines. If you’re convicted, you’ll face a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail or 48 hours with community service.

​Minnesota also requires that your driver’s license be automatically suspended upon your arrest. The suspension period for second-time DUIs with no aggravating factors is at least one year. However, if there are aggravating factors, the length of time could be increased.

​This will also be the case if you refuse chemical testing and are then convicted of a DUI. One or more aggravating factors or refusal to test will move your offense from a third-degree to a second-degree gross misdemeanor.

​Why Should You Hire a 2nd Time DUI Defense Lawyer in Minneapolis?

​One in seven residents in Minnesota has at least one DUI on their record. Of those individuals, 40% are reoffenders facing a second or subsequent conviction. The most effective way to protect yourself in these circumstances is to hire a 2nd time DUI defense lawyer to take on your case.

The sooner you hire an experienced lawyer, the sooner they can begin building a defense that protects your future. Residents of Minneapolis have trusted Ronnie Santana from Santana Law, PLLC, to deliver superior defense services for years. His passion for justice and extensive legal knowledge have helped him successfully navigate countless 2nd-time DUI cases, advocating for reduced or even dismissed charges.​

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 It Cost to Hire a 2nd Time DUI Lawyer in Minnesota?​

If you are arrested for a DUI in Minnesota and already have a prior intoxicated driving offense on your record, your case will likely be more complex than a first-time charge. This complexity, along with the length of time it takes your case to settle, can both impact the total price you pay your lawyer. It’s important to discuss pricing concerns and potential case timelines during your initial consultation.

Can You Go to Jail for a 2nd DUI Conviction in Minnesota?

Yes, you may be sentenced to jail time if you are convicted of a second intoxicated driving charge in Minnesota. If convicted, you’ll face a minimum of 30 days and may receive up to one full year in jail. A judge may decide to use a combination of home monitoring, probation, and community service to split your sentencing requirements. You should hire an experienced DWI lawyer to help you fight the charges against you.​

How Do You Choose the Right Lawyer for DWI Defense in Minnesota?

When trying to choose the right lawyer for your DWI case in Minnesota, it’s crucial that you search for a lawyer who has success dealing with cases similar to yours. For example, if you’re facing a second DUI charge in Minnesota, you want to hire a DUI lawyer who has experience fighting complex charges like yours. Additionally, finding a lawyer with a strong reputation and insight into local laws and courts can help immensely.​

What Is the New DUI Law in Minnesota?

The new DUI law in Minnesota targets repeat offenders. It extends the lookback period for intoxicated driving charges from 10 to 20 years, and mandates the use of an ignition interlock device for at least two years if you are charged after one prior DUI. The law also lowers the high-BAC threshold for aggravated DWI penalties to .16%.

​Your Minneapolis 2nd Time DUI Defense Lawyer​

If you’re facing your second DUI in Minneapolis, you need a skilled Minneapolis DUI defense lawyer to protect your rights and fight your charges. Contact Santana Law, PLLC, today to learn more about how Ronnie Santana can fight for you.

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.