I’ve Been Charged with a DWI in Maplewood and Ramsey County? What Do I Do?
If you’re arrested for DWI in Maplewood or anywhere in Ramsey County, you are facing one of the toughest enforcement and prosecution areas in Minnesota. The consequences can be life-changing — impacting your freedom, your finances, your driver’s license, and your reputation.
Jack Rice Defense has been defending DWI cases in Maplewood and throughout Ramsey County since the 1990s. Jack Rice is a Super Lawyer, recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in Minnesota, and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He’s also a former prosecutor with decades of trial experience, having successfully handled hundreds — if not thousands — of DWI cases in Ramsey County courtrooms. Reach out to Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“Its important to remember that DWIs are criminal defense and you really can go to jail. Worse, the ramifications to you job, your career and your reputation can be even worse.”
Different levels of DWI /DUI Offenses:
There are different levels of DWI. These can be based upon number of offenses, blood alcohol level. whether there were injuries, kids in the car and more. Different levels you make face include:
Misdemeanor DWI in Maplewood and Ramsey County
A misdemeanor DWI generally applies when your BAC is below 0.16% or you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC.
Potential penalties include:
Up to 90 days in jail
Fines up to $1,000
90 days without driving privileges
License restrictions
Chemical dependency assessment
Court-ordered treatment program
MADD Victim Impact Panel participation
Gross Misdemeanor DWI in Maplewood and Ramsey County
You can be charged with a gross misdemeanor DWI if:
Your BAC is 0.16% or higher, even on a first offense
You refuse a chemical test
A child is in your vehicle at the time of the offense
You have a prior DWI within 10 years
You cause minor bodily harm while driving impaired
Possible penalties include:
Up to 1 year in jail
Mandatory minimum sentencing
Up to $3,000 in fines
One year without driving privileges
Ignition interlock requirements
License plate impoundment
Possible vehicle forfeiture
Chemical dependency evaluation and treatment
MADD Victim Impact Panel
Felony DWI in Maplewood and Ramsey County
Felony charges apply if you have:
Three or more prior DWIs or license revocations in the past 10 years
A prior felony DWI conviction
Caused serious injury or death while impaired
Possible penalties include:
Up to 7 years in prison
Mandatory minimum sentencing
Up to $14,000 in fines
Permanent or long-term loss of driving privileges
License plate impoundment
Vehicle forfeiture
Ignition interlock for reinstatement
Chemical dependency evaluation and treatment
MADD Victim Impact Panel
“This is not our first rodeo. We have been doing this before the turn of the century and continue to work to stand right beside our clients. and fight.”
Why You Need an Experienced Maplewood DWI Lawyer
In Maplewood and Ramsey County, judges and prosecutors take DWI cases seriously. You need a lawyer who knows the local legal system — and Jack Rice does. We have been working in Maplewood since long before the courthouse in Maplewood was built. In fact, we have also been doing this since before the Ramsey County jail was built. We can put this experience to work for you.
Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
