Tirico Suave

Looks like Jared Allen is on his way to the Vikings, so I thought I’d go ahead and look up Minnesota’s DUI laws, so Allen knows what he’s getting into. He can’t be too encouraged by this first sentence:

Minnesota’s DWI laws are among the strongest in the nation. Under Minnesota DWI / DUI laws, refusal to take a chemical test following an arrest for drunk driving is a separate criminal offense.

Minnesota DWI punishment in criminal court is punishable for up to 90 days in jail, plus fines, mandatory DWI alcohol education courses, DWI driver’s license consequences, and more. If a first-offense DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor due to aggravating factors, the punishment and penalties for drunk driving can include up to one year in jail and a fine of $3,000.00.

Minnesota DWI punishment for a second-offense drunk driving conviction is significantly harsher. A second offense DWI conviction within ten years of a prior offense is a gross misdemeanor, and carries DWI punishment and penalties of up to one year in jail, plus a fine of up to $3,000.00.

Minnesota DWI punishment goes up significantly for a third-offense DUI arrest within 10 years. Your car will be immediately impounded. There is significantly increased exposure for jail time on a third-time DWI. It is imperative that an alcohol abuse evaluation be obtained. If you are not an alcoholic, you will have to prove it at this point.

Minnesota DWI laws make a fourth-offense within 10 years a felony. Minnesota DWI law for a felony drunk driving conviction will include three years in prison and a fine of not less than $14,000.00.