In Minnesota, along with the criminal charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), there are also associated civil penalties. If you are found guilty of DWI and your driver’s license is revoked, your vehicle is surrendered, your plates are impounded, or you are given a mark on your driving record, you are enduring the civil consequences.
The price of a criminal conviction for DWI can include jail, heavy fines, and probation. The civil consequences may involve:
- Driver’s license cancellation or revocation.
- A mark on your driving record.
- Increased car insurance rates.
- License plate impoundment.
- The forfeiture of your vehicle.
These are punishments that can make life extremely difficult. Fortunately, you can contest them via a DWI Civil Hearing. During a DWI Civil Hearing, your lawyer will attempt to lessen as many of the civil penalties for you as achievable by disputing them. If they are inescapable, there might be situations in which you can win back certain privileges.
What are ‘marks’ on your driving record?
After you have been arrested for DWI, two marks are placed on your driving record. The first mark addresses your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the date you were arrested. If you refused tests, the record will assert that testing was rejected. The second note – submitted a week after the arrest – addresses the fact that the license was cancelled or revoked and when the revocation occurred.
These marks may give insurance providers reason to either cancel or increase the cost of your insurance.
If you have been arrested for DWI, it is crucial that you acquire the help of an experienced Minneapolis DWI lawyer who will defend you against both criminal and civil consequences. To learn how Mark Herman, Attorney at Law can help you, reach out to our office by calling 612-382-4545 or by contacting us online.
Learn More About DWI Cases:
- Bail Bonds and DWI Cases
- Breath and Blood Tests
- Commercial DWI Information
- Civil Penalties for DWI Cases
- DWI Court Procedures
- DWI Jail Alternatives
- Getting Arrested for DWI Without a Driver’s License
- DWI Work Permit Information
- Implied Consent Laws
- How Does Minnesota Establish DWI Bail?
- Multiple Arrests for DWI in Minnesota? What Now?
- DWI Cases for Non-Citizens
- What is a Qualified Prior Impaired Driving Incident?
- What is Reasonable Suspicion?
- DWI Cases and Vehicle Forfeitures