What is a DWI charge in Minnesota?
A DWI charge in Minnesota may be a misdemeanor when it is based on operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alchohol, a controlled substance such as a narcotic drug, prescription medication if it interferes with your ability to drive or any combination of the foregoing. In Minnesota, a DWI is an enhanceable offense, which means that if you are found guilty at trial or plead guilty to a DWI, future DWI offenses will be charged as a gross misdemeanor or even a felony offense if you have a prior DWI conviction (or convictions) within the statutorily designated periods of time. A DWI may also be charged as a gross misdemeanor if the amount of alcohol in your system exceeds a statutorily designated level over and above the .08 limit.
