Minnesota Felony DUI

In Minnesota, felony DUI convictions carry heavy penalties.  These are very serious drunk driving offenses, and you should do everything you can to avoid getting a felony DUI.  To understand the importance of this, it is necessary to look at what qualifies as a felony DUI in Minnesota, and what the consequences are. 

There is a system of degrees of drunk driving charges.  A first degree DUI is a felony.  This charge is only made if there are certain factors present.  For the fourth or more DUI in 10 years, Minnesota law requires a felony conviction.  While some people have gotten by with more misdemeanor convictions in the past, the present laws are stricter. 

The other way to get a Minnesota felony DUI is by having three aggravating factors.  Along with prior DUI citations, there are other influences on whether the DUI will be considered first degree. 

Blood alcohol content is important in determining the severity of the charges.  If the blood alcohol level is very high, the consequences are higher.  A BAC of more than twice the legal limit is considered an aggravating factor when it comes to deciding on first degree, or felony, DUI. 

If you endanger a child by driving drunk when a child is in your car, this is another aggravating factor.  No judge will look favorably on a person who would selfishly risk the life of a little one.  If you end up with a felony DUI, it should not come as a shock to you if you have brought along a youngster while driving drunk. 

If you are a felony DUI suspect, you will be held in jail until your first appearance in court if the facts reveal certain information about you.  The first is if you have had three or more DUI convictions within the last ten years. 

The second fact that might cause you to be held is if you are under 19 years old, and it is the second DUI for you.  If you have blood alcohol levels of 0.20 percent or higher within the first two hours after you were stopped for driving under the influence, you may be held.  Finally, you will be held over until court if you get a DUI after your license has been revoked for the safety of the public. 

As for consequences, a Minnesota felony DUI comes with severe punishments.  First of all, the court will fine you at least $14,000.  This is a new minimum fine that all people convicted of felony DUI must pay.  Minnesota takes this very seriously.  Jail time will be at least three years and up to seven years. 

Not only will the government seize your license plates if you are convicted of this crime.  You may also lose your car to the state.  They would take the car and give you no compensation in return. 

Getting a Minnesota felony DUI is not something to take lightly.  It means that you have been reckless, perhaps for a long time.  If you eliminate your chances of getting a felony DUI in Minnesota, you will save yourself time, money, and a great deal of pain.