No matter where you go, if you choose to get behind the wheel after a few drinks, the result will be the same. You will be pulled over and looking at the strict punishments that come with driving under the influence. Thanks to the federally regulated blood alcohol limit, drunk driving is drunk driving anywhere you go. However, you may face different punishments depending on the various state laws. Some states are much stricter with DUI punishments, but the truth is even if you get pulled over in a state with more lax punishments, you may still be facing more strict punishments than if you were pulled over in Minnesota.
DUI Under the Interstate Driver’s License Compact
Minnesota, as well as many other states, is part of the interstate driver’s license compact. This means that when you are pulled over for a traffic violation in another state, Minnesota state police will still hear about it.
When pulled over for a DUI, the information is sent back to local police, and they have the right to punish you under Minnesota law as well. This means that you are not only facing punishment in the state in which the DUI occurred, but you could return home to DUI charges in Minnesota as well. That is double the punishment, and it is this double ding that makes driving under the influence in another state such a costly act.
Out-of-State DUI Punishments
Depending on the extent of the drunk driving incident, your punishments in both states may include jail time and loss of license. However, the majority of the time, if it is a minor incident, you will just be imposed with fines. However, two large fines in two different states add up to one big cost for you.
For those concerned about potential jail time. Often it can be negotiated that the jail time is served in your home state. However, it will only be possible if they can find a jail that will take you. Potential jail time is easily the most terrifying part of a DUI, but depending on the nature of the offense, it can be a short period of incarceration and some may even allow work release so you can keep employment during this time of punishment.
While fines or jail time are not the most pleasant punishments, one of the biggest headaches is when out-of-state police revoke your license to drive in that state. This means your license will be taken away and you won’t be able to get it back without a lawyer. Only your home state can revoke your actual license, but out-of-state authorities can, and probably will, suspend driving privileges, which means they will hold on to your license until you and your lawyer come to retrieve it.
Fighting Out-of-State DUI Charges
Minnesota is notoriously tough on intoxicated drivers when in-state and maintains that tough stance for their residents caught in other states. They seek to make an example of drunk drivers due to the fatalities that happen every year. This is why you will want legal represent to preserve your rights in both Minnesota and the state where your offense occurred. Unfortunately, lawyers can only practice in states where they are licensed to practice. This means you may need two separate lawyers to fight two of the same DUI charges in different states. If you need representation in Minnesota, contact us today. The Law Office of Villaume & Schiek are dedicated to defending Minnesota residents to make sure that they have their rights upheld and don’t serve the maximum punishment because they had the minimum legal representation.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individualsituation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.