Those who have been charged with or are under investigation for a crime should contact Swanson & Heeren, P.C. to discuss how an attorney can protect their rights in negotiations or at trial.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Grand Marais, Minnesota Law Firm
DWI Defense in Grand Marais, Minnesota
Law Firm Defending Against DWI and Moving Violations
According to a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety publication, there were 32,756 arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Minnesota in 2009, translating to 90 DWI arrests per day. Preliminary reports indicate that 74 percent of drivers arrested for DWI resulted in a criminal conviction for DWI but this percentage will increase as court cases are settled; historically, roughly 85 percent of DWI arrests result in a conviction each year.
Baiers C. Heeren, the managing partner at Swanson & Heeren, P.C., served as a criminal prosecutor in Stillwater, Minnesota. This valuable experience provides a foundation of understanding of the prosecutorial system and way of thinking as well as knowledge and familiarity with the procedural challenges available to contest DUI charges.
DWI Defense
A conviction for DWI, sometimes still referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), carries serious consequences. Even a first-time offender may face jail time, fines and possibly license plate impoundment. Repeat offenders can face imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, a driver whose breath sample on the Intoxilyzer tested at .08 or more will likely have received a notice that his or her driver's license will be revoked within 30 days. Even if the charges are later reduced to reckless driving or a non-alcohol-related offense, the driver must file an Implied Consent Challenge or the DWI will remain on his or her driving record.
There are important deadlines for presenting defenses to the criminal charges and administrative license revocation. An attorney from Swanson & Heeren, P.C. can help ensure these deadlines are met and the driver's rights and driving privileges are protected. In some cases it may be possible to set bail to have the defendant released early.
Swanson & Heeren, P.C. also represents minors charged with violating the Not a Drop or Zero Tolerance law, which may be coupled with charges for minor consumption of alcohol.
Moving Violations
Swanson & Heeren, P.C. also represents Minnesota residents or out-of-state drivers issued a citation in Minnesota for:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Texting while driving
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) violations such as equipment violations or vehicle overlimit