A DUI arrest can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time facing the criminal justice system. One of the most common questions people have after a DWI arrest in Minnesota is: How long is this going to take?
The timeline for a DUI case in Minnesota varies depending on several factors — including whether it’s your first offense, if there was an accident involved, or whether you’re challenging the charges. Generally, a straightforward DUI case may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to resolve.
In this blog, we’ll break down the typical timeline of a DUI case in Minnesota, what happens at each stage, and what you can do to help your case move efficiently and in your favor.
Immediate Aftermath: Arrest and Booking
When you’re arrested for DUI (called DWI in Minnesota), law enforcement will take you to the station, where you’ll be:
- Booked into jail
- Possibly required to post bail or be released on conditions
- Issued a court date (arraignment)
Your driver’s license may also be revoked immediately, especially if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher or you refused chemical testing. You will receive a Notice of Revocation, which begins the civil process that runs parallel to the criminal case.
License Revocation Timeline
From the date of arrest, you generally have only 7 days to challenge the revocation of your license by filing an Implied Consent Petition in civil court. If you don’t challenge it, the license revocation goes into effect automatically.
This is why it’s essential to act quickly after your arrest and speak with a Minneapolis DWI lawyer as soon as possible.
Arraignment: Typically Within 1–2 Weeks
Your arraignment is your first court appearance. It usually happens within a week or two of your arrest. At this hearing:
- The charges against you will be formally read
- You’ll enter a plea (typically “Not Guilty” at this stage)
- Bail or conditions of release may be revisited
- The judge will set future court dates
If you have a private attorney, they may be able to appear on your behalf for a misdemeanor DWI arraignment.
Pre-Trial Process: 4–8 Weeks or Longer
After arraignment, the case enters the pre-trial phase, where your defense attorney and the prosecutor exchange evidence (discovery), file motions, and attempt negotiations.
During this stage, your attorney might:
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
- Request dismissal of the charges
- Negotiate a plea deal if in your best interest
How long this stage takes depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s calendar, and whether there are any legal disputes that need to be addressed.
Plea Bargain or Trial?
Most DUI cases in Minnesota do not go to trial. Many are resolved through:
- A plea agreement, where the defendant pleads guilty to a reduced charge (such as careless driving)
- A stay of adjudication, particularly for first-time offenders in certain counties
If your case goes to trial, the timeline extends significantly. You can expect:
- A trial scheduling conference
- A jury or bench trial
- Sentencing (if found guilty)
A trial might occur 3 to 6 months after arrest, or longer, depending on the court’s schedule.
Sentencing: Immediately or Within 30 Days
If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, sentencing usually happens immediately after or within 30 days of the verdict. Penalties for a DUI in Minnesota depend on the severity and whether it’s your first offense. You might face:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- License suspension
- Required participation in chemical dependency assessments
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
The judge may also order community service or attendance in a DWI education program.
For sentencing guidelines, refer to Minnesota’s DWI laws.
Civil Impacts: License, Insurance, and More
While the criminal case proceeds, so does the civil component regarding your driver’s license. Depending on the outcome of your Implied Consent hearing (if you filed one), you may:
- Regain your license after a period of suspension
- Be required to install an ignition interlock device
- Lose your driving privileges for 90 days to 1 year or longer
In some cases, civil and criminal penalties overlap. A lawyer can help coordinate these and ensure the timelines are managed correctly.
Factors That Can Affect Your DUI Timeline
Several issues can make a DUI case take longer to resolve:
- Challenging the constitutionality of the stop or arrest
- Seeking evidence suppression for illegal search or seizure
- Chemical test delays from the BCA or private labs
- Negotiation time if you’re pursuing a plea bargain
- Trial preparation, including witness subpoenas and expert testimony
The court calendar and backlogs in your county can also affect how long it takes. Some courts move quickly, while others may delay cases for months.
How to Speed Up the DUI Process
If you want your case resolved as quickly as possible, here are some tips:
- Hire a qualified Minnesota DWI lawyer immediately after your arrest
- Attend all hearings on time
- Gather documents and facts about your arrest to share with your attorney
- Consider early plea discussions if advised by your lawyer
However, speeding up the process should never come at the cost of a proper defense. A rushed plea deal could result in more severe long-term consequences than you realize.
What If I’m Found Not Guilty?
If your case goes to trial and you are found not guilty, the criminal case ends immediately, and your record should reflect the acquittal. You may be eligible to petition for expungement of the arrest record under Minnesota law.
Your attorney can guide you through clearing your name and protecting your future employment, housing, and licensing opportunities.
Get Help from a DUI Attorney in Minnesota
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, don’t wait. Time is critical — especially within the first 7 days of arrest if you want to challenge the license revocation. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the better your chances of minimizing the long-term consequences.
At Martine Law, we’ve helped countless Minnesota drivers navigate DUI charges from start to finish. Whether you want to fight the charges or seek the best possible plea, we’re here to help.
Contact our team today for a free consultation and take control of your case timeline.