Felony DUI Defense in St. Paul & Minneapolis

Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Minnesota

In Minnesota, a DUI charge can be elevated to a felony in certain circumstances. A felony DUI is far more serious than a misdemeanor DUI and comes with severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and long-term impacts on your criminal record. If you’re facing a felony DUI charge in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or the surrounding areas, you need aggressive legal representation. At The Example Law Firm, PLLC, we specialize in defending clients against felony DUI charges and working to minimize the consequences.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony?

A DUI charge may be classified as a felony in Minnesota under the following circumstances:

• Fourth DUI Offense: If you have been convicted of three or more DUIs within the past 10 years, a fourth DUI will be charged as a felony.
• Involvement in a Serious Injury or Fatal Accident: A DUI that results in serious injury or death can be elevated to a felony, leading to more severe legal consequences.
• DUI with a Child Passenger: Driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle may result in a felony charge, especially if there are other aggravating factors.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Minnesota

A felony DUI conviction in Minnesota can lead to life-altering penalties, including:

• Prison Time: A felony DUI conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Fines: Fines for felony DUI can range from $4,000 to $14,000, in addition to court fees and other legal expenses.
• License Revocation: A felony DUI conviction can lead to the revocation of your driver’s license for several years, with limited options for reinstatement.
• Long-Term Criminal Record: A felony conviction will stay on your criminal record permanently, making it more difficult to find employment, secure housing, or qualify for loans.

Defending Against Felony DUI Charges

Facing a felony DUI charge doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. At The Example Law Firm, PLLC, we develop personalized defense strategies to challenge the charges and protect your rights. Our felony DUI defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We investigate whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to pull you over, and whether proper protocols were followed during the stop.
• Questioning Test Results: We examine the accuracy of any breathalyzer, blood, or field sobriety tests used to charge you with DUI, ensuring that no errors or mishandling occurred.
• Negotiating Reduced Charges: In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charge from a felony DUI to a lesser offense, which can significantly reduce the penalties.
• Presenting Evidence of Mitigating Factors: We present evidence to show that aggravating factors (such as a child passenger or high BAC) were not present or were improperly assessed.

How The Example Law Firm, PLLC Can Help

Being charged with a felony DUI is a serious matter that requires experienced legal representation. At The Example Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the gravity of the situation and are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending against felony DUI charges, and we work tirelessly to secure reduced penalties or have charges dismissed whenever possible.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI in St. Paul or Minneapolis, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact The Example Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation and get the expert legal defense you need to protect your rights and your future.