What are the Penalties for a DWI in St. Paul and Other Parts of Ramsey County

While it is true statewide, St. Paul and the surrounding cities in Ramsey County aggressively prosecute DWIs like few others. As a result, it is important to understand what you might face in the event that you see those flashing blue and red lights in your rear view mirror whether you are in White Bear, Maplewood or downtown St. Paul. It is also important to understand the consequences in terms of jail or prison, your license, your car, and most importantly to your reputation and future.  

Click here for more on How to Obtain a Minnesota Limited License, A Step by Step Guide.

Click here for more on How to Get on Interlock after a Ramsey County DWI charge.

Understanding the kinds of DWIs you might face in St. Paul and other parts of Ramsey County is the first step. After that, it is critical to have an experienced Ramsey County criminal defense attorney with decades of experience in St. Paul and Ramsey County courts by your side.  Jack Rice Defense is located in St. Paul and has been working in Ramsey County since the 1990’s.  Contact Jack Rice and his team for a free confidential consultation.   

Jack has successfully handled hundreds if not thousands of DWI cases in every city in Ramsey County over the last twenty plus years.

Misdemeanor DWIs:

Drivers who are arrested in St. Paul and other parts of Ramsey County with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under 0.16% will be charged with a misdemeanor.  That same driver could also face additional misdemeanor DWI charges for driving under the influence regardless of their BAC.  The penalties may include:

  • Up to a 90 day jail sentence;

  • Up to a $1000 fine;

  • 90 days without driving privileges;

  • License restrictions;

  • Chemical dependency evaluation;

  • Treatment Program;

  • MADD Victim Impact Panel.

Its important to know how Ramsey County operates. Even more, you need to know your Judges, your prosecutors, your cops. Jack does.

Gross Misdemeanor DWIs

Drivers who are arrested in St. Paul and other parts of Ramsey County could face a gross misdemeanor under the following circumtances:

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .0.16% even if this is a first offense;

  • Refusal to Test even if this is a first offense;

  • Have children in the car even if this is first offense;

  • Have one prior DWI within 10 years;

  • Cause limited bodily harm to another during the incident even if this is a first offense

The penalties may include:

  • Up to a 1 year jail sentence;

  • Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

  • Up to a $3000 fine;

  • One year of no driving privileges;

  • Interlock requirements (for license reinstatement);

  • License restrictions;

  • License plate impound;

  • Vehicle forfeiture;

  • Chemical dependency evaluation;

  • Treatment Program;

  • MADD Victim Impact Panel.

Whether it is St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, New Brighton, Little Canada, Mounds View, North St. Paul, Falcon Heights or somewhere in between, you need a comprehensive Ramsey County DWI defense strategy. Jack’s got your back.

Felony DWIs 

Drivers who are arrested in St. Paul and other parts of Ramsey County could face a felony under the following circumstances:

  • Three or more DWIs or license revocations tied to charges in last 10 years;

  • A prior felony DWI;

  • Serious injury or death to another, even if this is a first time offense.

The penalties may include:

  • Up to a 7 years in prison;

  • Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

  • Up to a $14,000 fine;

  • License ramifications including deemed inimical to public safety;

  • Interlock requirements (for license reinstatement);

  • License plate impound;

  • Vehicle forfeiture;

  • Chemical dependency evaluation;

  • Treatment program;

  • MADD Victim Impact Panel

There are an extraordinary numbers of factors that go into creating a comprehensive Ramsey County DWI defense strategy.  Sometimes, the only way to do this is to have done it hundreds if not thousands of times.  St. Paul DWI Lawyer Jack Rice has stood in these courtrooms, knows what you are facing and can help get you through this. 

Contact St. Paul based Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation.  Jack has decades of experience, is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor and will create a comprehensive custom criminal defense strategy to defend you. Contact Jack Rice Defense or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. 

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St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney Discusses the Factors that may Help You Avoid a Prison Sentence