What is a DUI?

A DUI is a criminal offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Your Blood Alcohol Content level, or BAC, is usually somewhere between .04 and .08 when this law applies to you. If you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer under suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol, you can be tested and if proven positive can be arrested.

What are my rights?

The arresting officers will read you your rights as they arrest you and make sure that you understand them. You have two main rights when being arrested: the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You do not have to implicate yourself in the crimes you are being accused of, so you do not have to speak to the police. You also can seek legal counsel on how best to approach the problem you are now facing. A local DUI specialist lawyer can lead you through the process and give you sound advice on how to best minimize the punishments you are facing.

What are the possible penalties for a DUI?

If you are pulled over by police officers on suspicion of driving under the influence, you are required to be tested for your BAC. If you refuse these tests, it carries a penalty that can include an obligatory suspension of your driver's license for a year. Aside from paying fines or having to spend time in jail, Minnesota also can require that the criminal take drug and alcohol abuse educational programs.