The state of Minnesota records thousands of fatalities and thousands more injuries resulting from DUI crashes. That is why the state’s legislation is pretty strict on DUI charges, imposing tough penalties for defaulters. Therefore, if you are facing a DUI charge in Minnesota, it is no small matter, and you will likely need legal representation.
However, there are times when a DUI arrest is unjustified—sometimes, law enforcement officers can misuse their power. If you are in such a situation, you need to be careful what you do and say to avoid escalating issues. One thing is for sure: they will not drop the charges if you enter a brawl with them.
It can be hard to get out of a DUI citation in Minnesota, especially if your arresting officer is difficult. Speak to attorney Omeed Berenjian of BK Law Group for great representation on your case. Here are five tips you can follow to walk away from a DUI charge without jail time or hefty fees.
Document Everything
From the moment you are being pulled over to when the officer is citing you, you must document everything. This is important because what you write down will serve as evidence that the officer did not go by the book. For example, the officer is expected to read your Miranda Rights and avoid using force or acting unprofessionally, among other things.
If they fail to do these things, with proper evidence, you can file a wrongful arrest claim against them. However, if you do not recall and write everything down, your claim might not hold up in court. With sufficient detail, your chances of disproving the officer’s claim and suspicion of a DUI go higher.
If You are Innocent, You Do Not Need to Be Hostile
It is easy to want to argue your way out of a DUI charge, especially if you are innocent. However, you do not want to do that; instead, cooperate with the officer, be polite, and calmly ask why they pulled you over. Overall, remember that you do not need to act hostile if you know you did not have a drink before driving.
You Can Decline Tests
Many Minnesota residents do not know that they can refuse incriminating tests and questions during a DUI arrest. As such, many have offered more information than necessary to their arresting officer, thus sealing their arrest. Therefore, when you are pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, do not divulge more than your name, age, and other basic details.
For example, if the officer asks if you have been drinking, choose rather to not respond, especially if you have. Also, if they ask that you take a sobriety test, you have a right to wait until your lawyer arrives. In the worst-case scenario, your license is suspended, but you could escape the full penalty if you play your cards right.
Talk to Witnesses
Even when police officers make mistakes, the arrested citizen still suffers grave consequences if they do not do things right. Once the policeman arrests you, they assume the alcohol smell in the driver’s seat is sufficient to convict you. However, you can effectively disprove these claims by talking to witnesses who knew your whereabouts and activities before you drove.
Avoid Committing New Offenses.
Oftentimes, in Minnesota, the judge may grant that you stay out of jail while the case is ongoing. However, that comes with a condition that you keep a clean record and not be arrested for new offenses.
Conclusion
A DUI charge in Minnesota can have serious consequences, affecting your driving privileges, criminal record, and even employment opportunities. If handled poorly, the situation can quickly spiral into harsher penalties, such as increased fines, longer license suspensions, or even jail time.
That’s why, regardless of guilt, it’s crucial to know how to manage the situation wisely. Understanding your rights, cooperating appropriately with law enforcement, and making informed legal decisions can help minimize the damage. The right steps—such as staying calm during the arrest, avoiding self-incrimination, and seeking legal counsel—can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
