Hidden Consequences of a DWI Conviction

Most people understand that if their convicted of DWI in Minnesota there are certain criminal penalties that apply. Depending on your record and the circumstances in your particular you could be fined up to $1000 for a Misdemeanor, $3000 for a Gross Misdemeanor, and up to $14,000 for a Felony. You could also receive a jail sentence of up to 90 days for a Misdemeanor, 1 year for a Gross Misdemeanor, and up to 7 years in prison if your DWI is charged as a felony.

There are a lot of hidden consequences associated with being arrested for DWI that are hard to predict, difficult to stop, and impossible to plan for when you don’t know their coming. These “hidden consequences” include:

  1. Mandatory $12,000 Bail MSA 629.471
  2. Mandatory Minimum Sentencing MSA 169.275
  3. Mandatory Alcohol Use Assessment MSA 169A.70
  4. Mandatory Treatment for Chemical Dependency
  5. Mandatory Drivers License Revocation MSA 169A.55
  6. Mandatory Consecutive Sentences MSA 169A.28
  7. Mandatory $680 Reinstatement Fee
  8. Mandatory Long Term Monitoring MSA 169A.277
  9. Mandatory UA’s Weekly Report to Probation Officer MSA 169A.44
  10. Mandatory Court Appearances
  11. Mandatory License Plate Impoundment MSA 169A.37
  12. Mandatory Probation
  13. Punitive Damages MSA 169A.37
  14. Intensive Probation MSA 169A.74
  15. Loss of Time From Work, Wages
  16. Loss of Employment
  17. Disqualification From Employment
  18. Increased cost of Automobile insurance
  19. Effect on Future Employment Opportunities
  20. Adverse Publicity
  21. Travel Restrictions Outside USA (Canada)
  22. More Likely to be Stopped in The Future
  23. Inability to Rent Commercial Vehicles
  24. High Cost of Work Release and Electronic Home Detention
  25. Cost of Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment
  26. Increased Health Insurance Costs
  27. Loss of Commercial Drivers License


Call (651) 430-1717 for a free consultation to find out what you can do to minimize the impact of the hidden consequences of DWI.