-
DWI and B-Cards
DWI ARREST WITH NO DRIVER’S LICENSE
DWI LAWYER ST. PAUL
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offense. Driving without a driver’s license is as well. Combine the two and the entire matter is one that can have very steep consequences. Not only do you have the DWI charge to contend with, but you also have the fact that you were driving without a license. Both have consequences that consist of jail time and high fines, as well as a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life.
If you have been charged with DWI while driving without a driver’s license, it is important that you employ the help of an experienced DWI attorney who can help you obtain the best possible result in your case.
SKILLED AND HONEST REPRESENTATION
The fact that you were driving without a driver’s license while allegedly being intoxicated could elevate a misdemeanor to a felony very easily. This means that the fines and the jail time become more serious. This will also make it more difficult to convince the prosecution or a jury that you are innocent of the charges. Even with this fact present, having an attorney by your side throughout the entire process can help you secure the best possible result in the case. The better result, the better it is fur your future.
The reason why you shouldn’t just accept the charges against you is because not having representation can cause you to face the maximum penalties. This could further interfere with your ability to get a job or find a place to live. You could also be barred from ever applying for a new driver’s license or for a very long period of time. This in itself can make it difficult to work, run errands, and carry out some everyday tasks.
STRATEGIC DWI DEFENSE
Even when charged with DWI without a license, there is always the possibility that a better result can be achieved. Your St. Paul & Minneapolis DWI lawyer will evaluate every element of your case in order to identify facts that work in your favor. Even if you were driving without a license, perhaps the DWI charge is not a valid one due to one or more factors. Meritless DWI charges can happen. Regardless of the validity, your attorney will fight for your rights. Mistakes do happen, which is why having an attorney who can negotiate for you and advocate for you is something.
B CARD RESTRICTION REMOVAL
When a person has been convicted of DWI three times in Minnesota, they may have a B Card restriction applied to their driver’s license. This means that there is an alcohol restriction placed on the license. This restriction states that a person is to not be caught consuming any amount of alcohol or they will lose their driving privileges. The motivation behind this concept is to keep those individuals with multiple DWIs from drinking and driving.
But what some people do not realize is that a B Card restriction can cause a number of problems. For instance, there are restaurants that will not allow individuals enter their establishments if they have a B Card, even if there is no desire to drink while there. So if you have a B Card restriction, you will not be able to enter these establishments even if you only want to drink a soda.
If you have a B Card restriction and you wish to have it removed, having a St. Paul DWI attorney help you through the process can improve your chances of receiving the result you seek.
MAKING YOUR SOBRIETY COUNT
If you have demonstrated sobriety for ten years, it is possible to have the B Card restriction lifted from your license. There is a form that has to be completed and it goes to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
In the form, you state that you are requesting the removal of the B Card restriction. You must sign to the fact that you understand that a background check must be completed before removal can be approved. If anything on the background check returns anything that states there was alcohol consumption or drug use, then the B card restriction will not be removed. If there is nothing in your background check that states that you have used alcohol or drugs, then you will be notified to apply for a renewal or duplicate driver’s license that will not contain the restriction.
CHALLENGING ALLEGED B CARD VIOLATIONS
If it is said at any point that you have violated the B Card restriction, then your license will be cancelled. Keep in mind, however, that violation of the B Card restriction is not a crime unless a motor vehicle is involved. In other words, you do not have to be operating a motor vehicle to violate the restriction and lose your license. If that’s the case, you and your Minneapolis DWI attorney can work together to fight the allegations so you can retain your driving privileges.