Why your driver’s license is at risk after a Minnesota DWI
In Minnesota, a DWI arrest can trigger two separate legal processes:
- The criminal case for the DWI charge itself.
- The civil case that determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked.
Even if your criminal case is pending, your license could be taken away within days. At Martine Law, we help clients fight both battles to protect their ability to drive.
How Minnesota handles license suspension after a DWI
After a DWI arrest, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) can impose:
- 90-day suspension for a first offense (or 180 days if you refuse a chemical test)
- Longer revocations for repeat offenses or high blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Immediate plate impoundment in certain cases
The clock starts ticking the moment you receive the Notice and Order of Revocation from the arresting officer.
Steps a Minnesota DWI lawyer can take to protect your license
A skilled DWI attorney in Minnesota can:
- File a Petition for Judicial Review within 60 days to challenge the license revocation
- Review whether the traffic stop and arrest were legal
- Question the accuracy of the breath, blood, or urine test
- Argue that there was no probable cause for the stop or arrest
- Seek a limited license (work permit) so you can drive for essential purposes
- Negotiate for reduced charges that carry lighter license penalties
Challenging the DWI test results
Many license revocations hinge on BAC test results. Your lawyer can:
- Investigate whether the testing equipment was properly calibrated
- Examine whether the officer followed Minnesota’s Implied Consent Law correctly
- Call into question the chain of custody for blood or urine samples
If these tests are found unreliable, your license revocation may be reversed.
License reinstatement options
Even if your license is revoked, your lawyer can help you:
- Apply for a limited license to drive to work, school, or treatment
- Enroll in Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Program for earlier reinstatement
- Complete all required fees, paperwork, and treatment programs for full reinstatement
Why acting quickly matters
You only have 60 days from the date of your license revocation notice to request a court hearing. Missing this deadline can make it much harder to get your license back.
Key takeaways
- A Minnesota DWI arrest can lead to both criminal charges and immediate license loss.
- You have a short window to challenge the revocation in court.
- A DWI lawyer can fight test results, question the stop, and secure limited driving privileges.
- Acting quickly gives you the best chance to keep your license.
Facing a DWI in Minnesota?
We fight aggressively to protect your license and your future.
Contact Martine Law for a confidential consultation.