What Happens at Your First DWI Court Hearing in Rochester...
DWI Defense Library
DWI Survival Guide & Resources
Everything you need to know about your charges, your license, and your rights in Rochester and beyond.
Free DWI Guide
Don't walk into court empty-handed. Download the strategy guide.
License Calculator
Find out exactly how long the State is trying to take your license, and the steps needed to get your license back.
Implied Consent and The 60-Day Deadline
You must act now to save your license.
Medical Professionals
Protecting your license and your career.
CDL Drivers
One mistake shouldn't end your career. Strategies to avoid the lifetime disqualification.
Olmsted Court Process
From First Appearance to Sentencing—know exactly what happens in the Rochester courthouse.
Ignition Interlock
How to get back on the road legally and avoid the "whiskey plates" trap.
Testing Flaws
Testing is completed by machines, and machines break. We analyze the data for errors.
The Traffic Stop
Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over? If not, the whole case could fall apart.
The Olmsted County DWI Defense Files
MN 20-Year DWI Lookback Law Changes | Rochester MN
Caught in the 20-Year Trap: How Minnesota’s Direct DWI Law...
Jail for a First-Time DWI Charge in Rochester and Southern Minnesota
Jail for a First-Time DWI Charge in Rochester and Southern...
Arrested for DWI In Rochester MN, What Should You Do
Arrested for a DWI in Rochester? Don’t Guess What Happens...
How much does a lawyer cost?
We work on a Flat Fee basis, so you will never see a surprise bill for a phone call or email. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case (e.g., felony vs. misdemeanor). We offer free consultations to review your case and give you an exact quote before you hire us.
Will I go to jail?
In the majority of first-time cases in Olmsted County, jail time can be avoided if there are no “aggravating factors” (such as a BAC over 0.16, a child in the car, or an accident).
The Client needs to be proactive to help assure this outcome.
However, the prosecutor will almost always seek probation and fines. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and minimize the disruption to your life.
Can I drive to work?
Likely, yes. After a DWI arrest, you typically have a 14-day temporary license. After that, you must apply for either a Limited License (Work Permit) or join the Ignition Interlock Program to keep driving. We help you navigate the paperwork to ensure you can keep your job.
How long does a DWI stay on my record?
n Minnesota, a DWI conviction stays on your criminal record forever unless it is expunged (which is difficult). It can affect future background checks for housing and employment. This is why our primary focus is preventing the conviction in the first place whenever possible.
I blew over the legal limit. Do I still need a lawyer?
Yes. A breath test result is just a number produced by a machine, and machines can malfunction. We review the DataMaster DMT records, the officer’s procedure, and the traffic stop itself. If the police violated your rights or the test was inaccurate, the “0.08” might not matter.