What Are the Penalties for a DWI in St. Paul and Ramsey County? Call Jack Rice Defense
If you’re facing a DWI charge in St. Paul or anywhere in Ramsey County, you are up against one of the most aggressive prosecution environments in Minnesota. Police, prosecutors, and judges here take DWI charges seriously, and the consequences can impact not only your license, your freedom, and your finances — but also your future and your reputation.
Jack Rice Defense has been defending DWI cases in St. Paul and throughout Ramsey County since the 1990s. Jack Rice is a Super Lawyer, named among the Best Lawyers in Minnesota, and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He’s also a former prosecutor who has successfully handled hundreds — if not thousands — of DWI cases in every city in Ramsey County. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Misdemeanor DWI in St. Paul and Ramsey County
You may be charged with a misdemeanor DWI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is under 0.16% or if you are found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of your BAC.
Possible penalties include:
Up to 90 days in jail
Up to $1,000 in fines
90 days without driving privileges
License restrictions
Chemical dependency evaluation
Court-ordered treatment program
MADD Victim Impact Panel participation
In St. Paul and Ramsey County, even misdemeanor cases are taken seriously, and having an attorney who knows the local judges, prosecutors, and police can make a major difference. Jack Rice knows them — and knows how to defend against them.
Gross Misdemeanor DWI in St. Paul and Ramsey County
You may face a gross misdemeanor DWI if:
Your BAC is 0.16% or higher, even for a first offense
You refuse to take a chemical test
You have a child in the car during the offense
You have one prior DWI within 10 years
You cause minor bodily harm to another person
Possible penalties include:
Up to 1 year in jail
Mandatory minimum jail sentences
Up to $3,000 in fines
One year without driving privileges
Ignition interlock device requirements
License restrictions
License plate impoundment
Possible vehicle forfeiture
Chemical dependency evaluation and treatment
MADD Victim Impact Panel
Felony DWI in St. Paul and Ramsey County
Felony charges can be brought if you have:
Three or more DWIs or license revocations within the past 10 years
A prior felony DWI conviction
Caused serious injury or death while driving impaired
Possible penalties include:
Up to 7 years in prison
Mandatory minimum prison terms
Up to $14,000 in fines
Loss of driving privileges, sometimes permanently
License plate impoundment
Vehicle forfeiture
Ignition interlock requirements for reinstatement
Chemical dependency evaluation and treatment
MADD Victim Impact Panel
Why You Need an Experienced St. Paul DWI Defense Lawyer
A DWI charge in St. Paul is not something to face alone. Jack Rice has decades of courtroom experience, knows the Ramsey County legal system inside and out, and creates custom defense strategies tailored to the facts of your case.
Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
