Clay County MN DUI Lawyers

The offense of drunk driving in Minnesota is DWI or driving while impaired. It can also be referred to as driving under the influence or DUI. Both offenses are generally described as having a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher and both are considered criminal acts.

According to Minnesota DWI/DUI law, it is a crime for someone to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Note that a law enforcement officer can initiate an arrest for driving under the influence in Minnesota based on a perception of impairment, not just a BAC reading.

The consequences for being found guilty of DUI in Clay County MN can be severe and you should seek professional guidance as quickly as possible. Because MN DUI is a criminal offense, you need an experienced and qualified attorney who has extensive knowledge of drunk driving defense.

Clay County Minnesota DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light practice only criminal law. Their legal experience, understanding of the court system, positive relationships with area prosecutors and judges and knowledge of Minnesota DUI law will help you get the best possible result from your case.

Moorhead DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light will review your case for free. Once they understand the specifics of your case, they will be able to talk about your legal options, potential penalties and their fee. There is no obligation, so call (701) 282-8282 or fill out the consultation request form to the left.

Minnesota has an implied consent statute which establishes that a motorist issued a driver's license in the state must submit to a breath, blood or urine test when requested by a law enforcement officer. During an arrest for drunk driving in Clay County MN, if you submit to a test and register a BAC above the legal threshold or if you refuse to take a test, a civil case is initiated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to determine if your driver's license should be suspended.

This is a separate case from the criminal DUI resolved in the courts, and you could lose your driving privileges before your first court date. There are several factors, such as blood alcohol level, that determine the length of the license suspension. Typical first offenders lose their driving privileges for 90 days.

You have the right to request an implied consent hearing with the DOT and fight the suspension of your license. You must, however, file a written request for such a hearing within 30 days of your MN DUI arrest. If you do not file in time, you lose your right to the hearing and to any appeal.

Clay County DUI Attorneys Larivee & Light can help schedule a hearing on your behalf and represent you during the proceedings. They have experience with the nature of the testimony and evidence that will be presented, and they could help save your driving privileges.

Time is very short, so contact Larivee & Light for immediate help with your license.

There are actually four degrees of offenses for driving under the influence in Clay County, MN. Certain 'aggravating factors' increase the degree of DUI charged and the severity of the penalties. These may include any prior drunk driving arrests, an elevated blood alcohol content of .20% or higher, refusal to submit to a chemical test for BAC and child endangerment.

Even the least serious first misdemeanor offense for drunk driving in Minnesota, with no aggravating factors, can result in court costs and fines and a jail sentence. The next degree of penalties includes possible seizure of license plates and vehicle forfeiture, up to a year in jail and a significant fine. How quickly the penalties escalate illustrates the need for professional legal representation when fighting a MN DUI arrest.

The long-term effects of being found guilty of DUI in Minnesota include having to carry expensive, high risk auto insurance, possible loss of job and reduced future employment options and possible denied entry to Canada.

The DUI laws of the state are very complex. For help determining the penalties for your specific case and to protect your future, contact Moorhead Minnesota DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light.

Clay County Minnesota DUI Attorneys Larivee & Light offer a free initial consultation to determine how best to approach your case. They will then explain the costs for legal representation, which is usually a flat fee.

For your convenience, various payment options are available, including major credit cards, cash and checks. In most situations, an affordable pay plan can also be developed.

Trying to defend your self without a deep understanding of DUI law and experience with the court system could result in greater penalties. Contact Clay County DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light now to learn about your rights and your legal options.

Moorhead DUI Attorney Steven M. Light was raised in Fargo. He graduated with honors from the University of North Dakota and earned a juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Steve Light had the privilege of clerking for noted criminal defense attorney, Alan Larivee, which later led to the creation of the Larivee & Light Law Firm.

Steve Light uses a combination of legal expertise, excellent litigation skills, an aggressive defense style and creative strategies to earn acquittals, favorable outcomes and successful appeals for his clients.

Attorney Steve Light is admitted to the Minnesota State Bar and the North Dakota State Bar and is permitted to practice law in all state courts, the North Dakota Federal Court and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the North Dakota Trial Lawyers of America, the National College of DUI Defense, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Time is very important for the successful defense of a Minnesota DUI case. Contact Clay County MN DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light for immediate help by filling out the form to the left or calling (701) 780-9663.