Minnesota DWI Costs (Explained)

If you're reading this, likely you know that alcohol can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Beyond the dangers of operating your vehicle under the influence (and the fact that you can go to jail if arrested) there are other HUGE costs of a Minnesota DWI conviction that you may have never thought of.  Meaning - in addition to being quite upsetting to your family and loved ones - you can also put your job in peril because some employers have clauses in their employee contracts that set out that a conviction for DWI can get you fired --- this is particularly true if driving a vehicle is one factor of your ongoing employment.

An experienced Minnesota DWI Lawyer should be able to explain to you that yet another hidden cost of a DWI conviction can be the difficulty in getting your license reinstated. Oftentimes after a lengthy suspension period (sometimes up to three years), you can have your license reinstated, but the fees are often cost prohibitive for some individuals. 

There are even more potential hidden costs to a Minnesota DWI conviction such as:

• The cost of incarceration/ work release/ electronic home monitoring;
• Treatment (at your cost;)
• Increased cost of health insurance; and
• Being prevented from entering foreign countries (ie., Canada;)

The extent of these hidden costs highlights how important it is to find an experienced Minnesota DWI Lawyer in Minneapolis with the experience, knowledge and dedication to help you with your charge. The Rolloff Law Office has experience from both sides of the aisle that we will put to work for you. As your Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney, I will bring my education, experience and compassion to your case to earn the best possible outcome.

What Does a Minnesota DWI Cost? (Explained)

Minnesota Drunk Driving charges come with severe penalties.. In addition to  license revocations, you could also be facing a HUGE fine and a conviction for a misdemeanor or even a felony - which means jail time.  Costs associated with a Minnesota DWI go well beyond the fees of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Driver’s License Reinstatement

Fines related to your license being revoked depend on whether this is your first conviction or second DWI. These fees are nothing compared to the long-term costs associated with being convicted of a third or fourth offense. If that should happen, your license is cancelled indefinitely and/or you could go to jail for up to seven years.

If your driver’s license is revoked in Minnesota, you’re required to pay a reinstatement fee plus a license application fee for either a first or second conviction.  Total cost --- around $700

Alcohol Awareness Classes

Your history of DWI arrests, the circumstances of current arrest - such as your blood alcohol content (BAC) and your score when you completed a chemical health evaluation - determine how many hours you are required to attend classes as part of your probation requirements. Costs range from $250 – $400 for a 12-hour program and a 24-hour program, respectively.

Legal Fees

Because every case is different, a reputable attorney will not charge you for the initial consultation. During the consultation, the lawyer will learn all the facts and circumstances involved in your particular case. Most reputable criminal defense lawyers charge a “flat” fee, which ensures representation throughout the trial, regardless of the number of hours the lawyer works on the case or whether the case is dismissed or resolved through plea negotiations.

For more serious cases such as a fourth drunk driving conviction where jail time is likely, the higher the cost will be to defend you. For lower level crimes such as first offenses where probation or fines are likely, the price is less.

Like in all industries, when it comes to legal representation, you get what you pay for.

Let's stop this madness --- call today to get the answers you need.  Rolloff Law Office - (612) 234-1165

Minnesota DWI Costs (Explained)

The average cost for someone charged and convicted for a first-time Minnesota DWI has been estimated to be anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.   Of those, legal fees for your Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney and fines are but a mere, obvious part.  The following is a list of the obvious and the not so obvious costs frequently associated with a Drunk Driving conviction.

Obvious Minnesota DWI Costs

1.  Bail
2.  Vehicle Towing and Storage
3.  Court Filing Fees (License Revocation)
4.  Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee
5.  Chemical Dependency Assessments
6.  Electronic Home/Alcohol Monitoring
7.  DWI Education Classes
8.  Chemical Dependency Treatment
9.  Criminal Record (Permanent)

Not So Obvious Minnesota DWI Costs

1.  Laboratory Analysis of Alternative Blood, Breath or Urine Testing
2.  Expert Fees
3.  Increased Insurance Premiums (Automotive and Health)
4.  Alternative Transportation Costs
5.  Income Loss
6.  Employment Termination (especially for those with Professional or Pilot’s License)
7.  Damage to Your Credit Rating
8.  Exclusion from Foreign Countries, like Canada
9.  Possible Loss of the Right to Possess a Firearm
10.  Possible Loss of the Right to Vote
11.  Delay or Denial of Citizenship

How to Mitigate Your Costs

Unfortunately I can’t offer you a list of every single cost associated with a Drunk Driving conviction.  Each case is unique - as it concerns the potential monetary and emotional consequences you could face involving your employment and family.  Let the Rolloff Law Office help you better understand the path your on and we can work to alleviate some of those concerns.  Call today - (612) 234-1165 to schedule a FREE initial consultation to discuss your situation.