DWI Omnibus Hearing In a DWI case, the omnibus hearing is usually the middle step. Most matters start with an arraignment, which is where you learn the charges against you and are advised of your rights in a criminal proceeding. After arraignment, most courts will set an omnibus hearing, which is sometimes called a pretrial […]

DWI Tests What is a DWI Breath Test? The most common DWI test in Minnesota is a breath test. Sometimes, people will take one breath test at the scene and then be asked to take another at the police station or jail. While both of these tests are breath tests, one is able to be […]

Winning a DWI Case with a DWI Lawyer If you are charged with a DWI, a Minnesota DWI lawyer can help find effective defenses. Here are some general defenses that may be available. But, each case is unique and the availability and effectiveness of each defense depends on the facts of a particular case. Bad […]

What is a DWI? In Minnesota, a DWI is a criminal offense of driving while impaired. Minnesota Statutes 169A.20 makes a crime to operate vehicles after consuming alcohol. What causes a DWI? A DWI can occur in multiple ways. It is a crime to drive a car or be in physical control of one with […]

After an arrest for DWI, many people have questions about whether the tests were necessary and what they mean. Here is some information about how the testing occurs and what you should know about it. Why did I have to take two different breath tests for DWI? Often, the police will ask you to take […]

Minnesota DWI Test Refusal Law Upheld as Constitutional In State v. Bernard, the Minnesota Supreme Court considered whether a Minnesota law criminalizing refusal to take a DWI breath test was unconstitutional. The Court held that the law does not violate a person’s fundamental rights under the constitution, and the refusal law is a reasonable means to […]

In Minnesota, DWIs can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the facts of the offense and the offender’s prior record. Here is some information about the ranges of DUI charges. What is a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony? Minnesota has three classes of crimes: misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony. The maximum punishment for the crime […]

Although the offense of DUI stands for driving under the influence, driving is not a requirement to get a DUI or DWI. Minnesota law makes it a crime to “drive, operate, or be in physical control of any motor vehicle” while under the influence. While the terms “drive” and “operate” suggest a running car, the […]

DUI, DWI, and Drunk Driving all refer to a class of crimes in Minnesota that make it illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol or other mood-altering substances. In other states, DUI and DWI may refer to separate crimes. However, Minnesota treats them all as Driving While Impaired. Common Questions About DUI, DWI, and Drunk […]

What is the Difference Between DUI and DWI? In Minnesota, the terms DUI and DWI refer interchangeably to a class of crimes that make it illegal to drive while impaired. Even though the terms are used interchangeably, there are still many types of DWI charges. Here are the most common two: Driving While Impaired The […]