A DWI charge can upend work, family, and driving privileges. The choices you make in the first hours matter. Small errors can snowball into larger problems. Protect your rights at the scene, and your record afterward. This article highlights six mistakes to avoid when facing a DWI charge in Minnesota.
1. Talking too much at the stop
Be polite and brief at the stop. Hand over license, registration, and insurance. Do not argue or explain how much you had. Ask if you are free to leave. If not, say you wish to speak with a lawyer before making decisions about testing. Minnesota recognizes a limited right to consult counsel that cannot cause unreasonable delay. Be sure to use it. It helps you make informed choices at a critical moment.
2. Failure to consult a lawyer early
DWI law is technical, and outcomes hinge on the stop, testing, and strict procedures. You need counsel who combs through reports and files motions fast. Meet more than one attorney, and ask about strategy, timelines, and probable results. Review fees and how you will communicate. Choose someone who explains options in plain language and prepares you for every hearing. If you need a starting point, explore the best criminal lawyers in Minnesota.
3. Missing deadlines and notices
After a DWI charge, paperwork moves quickly. You may only have a short window to challenge a license revocation or request a hearing. Mark dates the day you receive them and act before the clock runs out. Early legal guidance helps you choose the right steps and avoid default outcomes. Talk to a seasoned Minnesota DWI attorney early. They have local experience with judges, prosecutors, and testing procedures, which is a real advantage.
4. Posting on social media
Stay off social media. Do not explain your side or joke about the stop. Friends can screenshot and share, and prosecutors can find public posts and comments. Time stamps often undercut defenses. Additionally, photos can place you at a bar or party. Keep your case offline, and only share details with counsel and trusted support.
5. Failure to preserve evidence
Gather what supports your defense. Save receipts, rideshare records, and door-cam footage. Ask nearby businesses to preserve the footage before it auto-deletes. Note the weather, road conditions, and any medical issues, like GERD or diabetes, that could affect breath or blood results.
You should also request any body camera videos. Be sure to track who you spoke with and when. A clean record of facts helps your attorney challenge the stop, testing, and procedures.
6. Failure to take proactive steps early
Courts want to see responsibility. Schedule a chemical health assessment if advised to do so, and start recommended education or treatment. Document AA or support meetings if relevant. Install ignition interlock when eligible and follow rules closely. You can also keep a sober driving plan in writing. These steps can help with bail terms, negotiations, and sentencing. They also reduce the chance of new violations while your case is pending.
Endnote
A DWI case is a series of decisions, not one moment. Avoid these six mistakes to keep leverage. Speak less, act fast on deadlines, and preserve evidence. Be sure to also stay off social media and take proactive steps that show responsibility. Lastly, get the right attorney and commit to the plan. With steady posture and clear actions, you protect your license, your record, and your future.
