Minnesota's Top DUI & DWI Lawyer
Arrested for a DUI or DWI in Minnesota?
A DUI arrest in Minnesota triggers immediate consequences — often before you even appear in court. Your driver’s license, job, immigration status, and criminal record are all at stake. You need fast action and an attorney who understands both the law and how to beat these cases.
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I’m Attorney Sarah Gad, a Minneapolis-based criminal defense lawyer known for aggressive advocacy, creative strategy, and the highest dismissal rate in Minnesota. I answer my phone personally — day or night.
Call or text now: 612-412-1710.
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Why You Need a DUI Lawyer Immediately
Minnesota’s DWI laws are some of the most complex in the country. A DWI triggers two separate cases:
1. Your Criminal Case
This determines:
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Whether you’re convicted
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Jail exposure
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Fines
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Probation
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Treatment requirements
2. Your Civil / License Case
This determines:
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How long your license is revoked
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Whether you must install ignition interlock
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Plate impoundment
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Whether you can drive for work
Your license case deadline is ONLY 60 days.
If you miss it, you permanently lose your right to challenge the revocation.
Types of DWI Charges I Handle
I represent clients in every type of Minnesota DUI case, including:
✓ First-Time DWI (Fourth Degree)
✓ Second or Third DWI (Higher Penalties)
✓ Aggravating Factors: High BAC, Minor in Vehicle, Prior Offenses
✓ Test Refusal Charges
✓ Felony DWI
✓ Commercial Driver DWI
✓ Prescription Medication DUI
✓ Marijuana-Impairment DWI
✓ DWI Causing Injury or Accident
✓ Underage DWI
Every charge is defensible — but only if you act quickly.
Your Best Defenses in a Minnesota DUI/DWI Case
These are the most successful defenses I use — and they work because prosecutors rely heavily on shortcuts, flawed assumptions, and questionable testing.
1. The Traffic Stop Was Illegal
A large percentage of Minnesota DUI stops violate:
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State v. Askerooth
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Terry
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The Fourth Amendment
If the stop was unlawful, the entire case can be suppressed.
2. Field Sobriety Tests Were Unreliable
These tests are:
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Optional
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Subjective
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Inaccurately administered
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Affected by injuries, weight, shoes, and medical conditions
I challenge:
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HGN (eye test)
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Walk-and-turn
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One-leg stand
3. Breath Tests and Blood Tests Are Often Wrong
Breathalyzers malfunction.
Blood samples are mishandled.
Testing devices aren’t calibrated properly.
I examine:
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Instrument logs
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Calibration records
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Maintenance issues
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Chain of custody
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Breath temperature variances
4. Rising Alcohol Curve Defense
Your BAC may have been lower while driving and only rose later.
5. You Were Not Driving
Prosecutors often cannot prove the driving element — especially in parked-car cases.
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What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Minnesota?
1. You Receive a Notice of Revocation
This document is critical. It starts the 60-day deadline to file a challenge.
2. Your Vehicle May Be Towed or Impounded
I can petition for its release.
3. You’ll Receive a Court Date
Often within 30–45 days.
4. You Can Request a Work Permit or Limited License
5. You May Need Ignition Interlock
Depending on:
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BAC
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Prior offenses
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Refusal
Penalties for DWI in Minnesota
Penalties vary based on BAC, prior offenses, injuries, and aggravating factors.
Fourth Degree DWI (Misdemeanor):
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Up to 90 days jail
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Up to $1,000 fine
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License revocation 90 days to 1 year
Third Degree DWI (Gross Misdemeanor):
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Up to 1 year jail
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Up to $3,000 fine
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Longer revocations, interlock, plates
Second Degree DWI (GM with two aggravating factors):
Severe penalties, often requiring treatment, monitoring, and interlock.
First Degree DWI (Felony):
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Up to 7 years prison
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Up to $14,000 in fines
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Mandatory long-term interlock
Special Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens
A DWI can trigger:
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ICE holds
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Visa issues
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Adjustment delays
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Possible inadmissibility
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Scrutiny during naturalization
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Counties & Cities I Serve
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Washington County
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Scott & Carver Counties
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Wright County
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Sherburne County
Cities:
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Maple Grove, Edina, Richfield, Burnsville, Roseville, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park.
Contact us for a free case evaluation
If you've been charged with a DUI/DWI in Minnesota, don't wait. We offer free case consultations and will act immediately to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
FAQ: Minnesota DUI/DWI Cases
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How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Minnesota?
Most experienced attorneys charge between $3,500–$12,000 depending on complexity. Felony DWIs are higher.
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Do I lose my license immediately after a DUI?
Yes — unless you challenge the revocation within 60 days.
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Can I refuse field sobriety tests in Minnesota?
Yes. They are voluntary.
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Can I refuse the breath test?
Refusal is a separate criminal charge, but it is defendable.
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Can I beat a DWI charge?
Yes. Illegal stops, testing issues, and procedural errors routinely lead to dismissals.
Should I talk to police?
No. Always ask to speak to an attorney.
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Call Now — I Answer My Phone Myself
If you’ve been arrested for DWI, do not wait.
A delay can cost you your license, your record, and your freedom.
📞 Call or text 612-412-1710
You reach me, not a receptionist. I will help you immediately.