Coon Rapids DUI Lawyer

When you are facing a drunk driving charge, you may be concerned about the prospects of a criminal record, jail time, fines, and other punishments which could be brought down upon you. Due to the complexity of the legal system and the gravity of the consequences, choosing the right Coon Rapids DUI lawyer may be the most important decision you will make.

Halberg Criminal Defense is a law firm with a unique team of Coon Rapids DUI lawyers who have unparalleled experience defending clients throughout Minnesota. Together they have an astounding 100 combined years of legal service between them. Halberg Criminal Defense has been honored as one of the "Best Law Firms" in the country by the US News and World Report's Best Law Firms Edition after surveying thousands of clients and other lawyers. Additionally, they have been ranked as a "First Tier" law firm for DUI defense.

With these distinguished and prestigious Coon Rapids DUI lawyers on your side, you have the best chance of avoiding a serious disruption to your life. Call now to schedule your initial consultation.

It is illegal in the state of Minnesota to operate a vehicle under the influence with an alcohol concentration (AC) of 0.08%, or with any amount of a schedule I or II controlled substance (excluding marijuana) in your system. If it is discovered you these substances in your body at the time of or within 2 hours of your arrest, you will be charged with a Minnesota DUI. It is also important to note that a law enforcement officer may arrest you if you appear to be under the influence whether or not a chemical test proves that you are so. Attain a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer as soon as possible after you have been charged with a DUI.

Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not distinguish between a DUI and DWI but instead has a tiered classification system of DUI with four degrees, each with corresponding penalties. A Coon Rapids DUI lawyer from Halberg Criminal Defense can help you to more fully understand the charges being brought against you.

When you sign your driver's license, you are essentially consenting to submit to chemical testing any time you are pulled over by police. The officer will choose whether your blood, breath, or urine will be tested and read you the implied consent advisory statement before administering the test. If you refuse, another type of test must be offered. If you again refuse, the officer must report your refusal to the prosecution and your penalties shall be increased should you be later convicted of a DUI. Your license will also be automatically suspended for 1 year. This is not to say that you will lose your case, however. Although the prosecution will use your refusal as implied admission of guilt, there are many defenses available to you that your Coon Rapids DUI lawyer can discuss with you.

Since Minnesota DUI is a tiered charge, there are different penalties for each level. Penalties are enhanced according to a number of aggravating factors, including having a prior drunk driving charge on your record within 10 years, refusal of a chemical test, an AC or 0.20% or higher, or the presence of a minor in the car. The 4 tiers are as follows:

1. 4th Degree: Misdemeanor- Maximum penalties of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail
2. 3rd Degree: Gross Misdemeanor- Maximum penalties of $3,000 fine and 1 year in jail
3. 2nd Degree: Gross Misdemeanor- Maximum penalties of a $3,000 fine and 1 year in jail
4. 1st Degree: Felony- Maximum penalties of 7 years incarceration and a $14,000 fine

In addition to these court-mandated punishments, you may also suffer the negative effects of having a criminal record and skyrocketing insurance costs. Although these penalties are very harsh, do not lose heart. A Coon Rapids DUI lawyer at Halberg Criminal Defense can work with you to determine the best defense. Call (877) 823-6690 and discuss your case with an accomplished Coon Rapids DUI lawyer.

When you are arrested for a DUI, your license will be taken away and you will be given a 7 day temporary driving permit. A week from your arrest, your license will be effectively withdrawn for a minimum of 90 days. This will be increased based on the aggravating factors of your case, and the courts reserve the right to take away your driving privileges indefinitely if you are judged to be a hazard to public safety. If you do have the privilege of reinstating your license, there is a $250 reinstatement fee.[a] There are certainly ways to save your license or obtain a hardship license which allows you to drive to and from work or school. For more information on your specific case, contact a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer at Halberg Criminal Defense.

If you consult with a Halberg Criminal Defense Coon Rapids DUI lawyer, they can examine each minute detail of your case and build the best defense to fit your needs. Each of the Coon Rapids DUI lawyers have numerous years of experience defending clients from drunk driving charges. The firm includes three former prosecutors and assistant county attorneys, and two of these Coon Rapids DUI lawyers are certified breathalyzer operators.

Marsh J. Halberg, a graduate of the Hamline University School of Law with over thirty years of experience, is a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer and one of the most prominent attorneys in Minnesota. Over the course of his career Marsh Halberg has tried over one hundred jury trials and criminal court trials in the thousands, in both state and federal court. Honoring his outstanding achievements, Marsh Halberg has been named one of Minnesota's Top Six Criminal Defense Attorneys by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" annually since 1997, a Member of the Outstanding Lawyers of America, and in the "Who's Who in Criminal Law". Not only this, but he has been requested to speak on criminal law for Continuing Legal Education more than any other attorney. [b]In addition to his other legal duties, he is the editor-in-chief of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook and assists in training newly-appointed Minnesota District Court Judges. As the former Chief Prosecutor for Edina, Marsh Halberg supervised the prosecution of thousands of cases each year and gained invaluable understanding of the prosecution process.

Eric Nelson has developed a reputation for being a skilled and aggressive Coon Rapids DUI lawyer since he dedicated his life to practicing criminal defense in 2001. After graduating from Hamline University School of Law he has successfully represented clients for all types of criminal charges in every stage of defense including negotiation, jury trial and the Court of Appeals. Eric Nelson is often called to lecture on various legal topics, especially DUI with a controlled substance. He also serves as a judge in moot court and mock trials throughout Minnesota and has often contributed to the Minnesota DWI Deskbook.

Tina Appleby has established herself as one of the premier female attorneys in Minnesota in over 27 years of service to her clients. She has handled over 2,000 cases, resolving them through jury acquittal, dismissals, and other successful solutions. This Coon Rapids DUI lawyer's focus is on explaining every detail of charges and defense options to her clients in a manner that alleviates the stress of her clients and their families. Because of her extensive legal knowledge, Tina Appleby is often asked to speak at Continuing Legal Education seminars on a range of DUI and criminal matters. She has been featured on the "Who's Who in Criminal Law" rankings in both 2005 and 2006.

Doug Hazelton is a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer who has distinguished himself by being one of only two defense lawyers in Minnesota who has successfully completed the Indiana University Alcohol Borkenstein Course which studies medico-legal alcohol topics. Doug Hazelton is a graduate of the National College of DUI Defense and was granted Membership to the College in 1997. The College also named him National Delegate in 2006. A prolific writer and lecturer on DUI topics, he has been asked to speak all over the nation and has been published in several legal publications. Doug Hazelton has also been named one of the Best Lawyers in America and "Super-Lawyer" by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine. In addition to his other duties, he is assists in editing the Minnesota DWI Deskbook and published the 2008 Thomson West DWI Law Practice Book.

Lee Orwig served as a mediator in Hennepin County Courts, working for the Ramsey County judiciary, before beginning his career practicing criminal defense. As a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer, he has served clients facing both felony and misdemeanor charges. Lee Orwig has also been very influential in the source code litigation against the company that produces the Intoxilyzer 5000 in Minnesota. To this end, he has maintained a database that distributes all decisions made in this case to all other lawyers and judges in the state. Lee Orwig also was lead author of the amicus curiae source code brief for the Minnesota Society of Criminal Justice that has been submitted to the Minnesota Federal District Court.

Jeremy Kaschinske served as a mediator in the Ramsey County Courts prior to beginning his legal practice. Since this time, he has successfully defended clients and argued before the District Courts and the Court of Appeals. Jeremy Kaschinske has extensive experience with all types of criminal charges, and takes special pride in sealing a client's record and assisting them to rebuild their life. As a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer, he has developed a reputation for exceeding his clients' expectations and thoroughly meeting all of their needs.

Time is of the essence in any DUI case in Minnesota. There are hearings and deadlines that you need to meet and your lawyer will need adequate time to prepare a solid defense. Call a Coon Rapids DUI lawyer at Halberg Criminal Defense now!

The Coon Rapids DUI lawyers of Halberg Criminal Defense serve all of Anoka County, including the cities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Fridley, Lino Lakes, Oak Grove, Ramsey, and Spring Lake Park. Contact them today at (877) 823-6690 today for all your DUI and criminal defense needs!