Being cuffed and put in the back of a cop car is a stressful situation. As an attorney who has experienced this twice without facing a criminal charge, I know how you feel. I’ve been in that same position, twice. I know that the first thing on your mind is, how am I going to get out of a DWI?
I understand what you’re going through. After you’ve been arrested, your first thought is probably, how do I beat a DUI in Minnesota? You’ve come to the right place, and I want to help.
I use DWI and DUI interchangeably in this article. Theoretically, They are the same. In practice, Minnesota legislations only uses DWI.
How to Choose an Attorney to Beat a DUI in Minnesota
It may seem obvious, but it’s still important to note that you’re going to need an attorney. Even if you spent some time searching on the internet, you didn’t go to law school. An attorney is going to know all of the policies and procedures necessary on how to beat a DUI in Minnesota.
When you’re looking for an attorney, there’s going to be a consultation process. As you’re discussing your case, pay attention to how they talk to you about it. For example, I never start a consultation telling a client about what will happen when they’re convicted of a DUI. We’re focusing on how to beat a DUI in Minnesota, not facing the consequences of a charge.
You want an attorney that’s first priority is considering whether there are any dismissible factors in your case. If you’re having a consultation with an attorney and their first assumption is that the case will end in a plea agreement, they may not be the right fit for your case.
Keep in mind that without an attorney, your chances of beating a DUI will go down to almost zero.
Things to Consider to Beat a DUI
Along with finding the right attorney, there are several things to consider before being charged to help you beat a DWI.
#1: Sobriety Tests
If you’ve been pulled over for suspected intoxication, the cop is going to issue a field sobriety test. It’s important to consider where your blood alcohol level is at. If you know that you’re in the process of sobering up, almost always it makes sense to go forward with the test.
The only test that’s going to matter is the last one you take at the station. Once you’ve taken a field sobriety test, the next test is typically a portable breath test (PBT.) If an officer is asking you to take a PBT, they almost always have decided to arrest you.
Officers will usually let you know the result of the field test, so you and your attorney can plan how to beat a DUI/DWI in Minnesota. Having this information will also help you and your attorney better gauge where your result will be when you take the test at the station.
#2: Utilize Your Right to Counsel
One of the best things you can do for yourself is use your right to counsel. You shouldn’t take any tests until you speak to a professional. It’s also important to remember that the time they take reading you your rights and the process is more time spent delaying the test. This can lead you to a lower result when they test you at the station, which makes your chances of beating a DUI better.
#3: Leave Litigation to the Court
If you want to know how to beat a DUI in Minnesota, one thing you must do is leave the litigation to the court. If you blow below the legal limit of .08, an officer can still write you a DWI citation. Your attorney will be able to cross examine the officer in court, because an officer will certainly not admit to an error out on the road. An attorney can help you beat a DWI/DUI in Minnesota courts, where you’ll inevitably end up.
#4: Don’t Admit to Drinking
As an attorney, I would never condone lying to the police. What I am telling you is that you should not admit to prior consumption of alcohol. When you admit to drinking, even if it was just a few sips of wine, it gives the officer enough probable cause to arrest you. You’ll be forced to decide on taking the test at the station, and won’t have as much time to think about it.
Need Help Figuring Out How to Beat a DWI/DUI in Minnesota?
If you’re facing a DUI/DWI charge, you’re not alone. As someone who has been through it myself, I want to help you make the most informed decisions you can when beating a DUI. Contact us today to get started.