Felony DWI Lawyer in Minneapolis
A felony DWI is the most serious drunk driving charge in Minnesota. It can mean prison, a large fine, and the loss of your license for years. If you are facing a fourth DWI or a first-degree charge, you need help right away. Our lawyers answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (612) 767-9643.
What Makes a DWI a Felony in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a DWI becomes a felony when it is charged as first-degree. This can happen in a few ways. You have three or more DWIs or related events in the past 10 years. You have a past felony DWI. Or you have a past felony charge for criminal vehicular operation or homicide. The law for this is Minnesota Statute 169A.24. A felony charge is the most serious part of Minnesota DWI defense.
‘Felony Forever’ Rule
Once you have one felony DWI, every future DWI is a felony too. It does not matter how many years go by. This is why a first-degree charge is so serious. We explain what it means for your record and your future.
What Are the Penalties?
A felony DWI can carry up to 7 years in prison. The fine can reach $14,000. If the court sends you to prison, the term is at least 3 years. If the court stays your sentence, you still face jail time. That means at least 180 days, with 30 or more in a row. After prison, you face 5 years of conditional release.
What Changed Under the Law
Minnesota updated its DWI laws in August 2025. The state now looks back 20 years for license and interlock penalties, not 10. Many people must use an ignition interlock device and finish treatment to get a license back. Driving without a required device is now a gross misdemeanor. These rules can affect repeat cases in new ways. You can read more about the 2025 Minnesota DWI law changes on our site.
How We Defend Felony DWI Cases
We look closely at every part of your case. Was the traffic stop legal? Was the breath or blood test done the right way? Are your past convictions being counted correctly? A problem with any of these can change the outcome. We also push back on how the state adds up your prior cases. We can help with getting your license back as well.
Talk to a Minneapolis DWI Lawyer Today
David Lundgren and Adam Johnson have more than 30 years of combined criminal defense experience. We handle felony DWI cases in Hennepin County and across Minnesota. Our office is in downtown Minneapolis at 121 South 8th Street. Call (612) 767-9643 any time, day or night, to talk to our attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fourth DWI a felony in Minnesota?
Often, yes. A fourth DWI within 10 years is usually charged as a first-degree, felony DWI. A past felony DWI or felony vehicular charge can also make a new DWI a felony. The exact count depends on your record, so have a lawyer review it.
Can you avoid prison for a felony DWI?
Sometimes. A court can stay a prison sentence and order probation instead. You may still face jail time, treatment, and strict rules. Every case is different. We work to find the right path for your situation.
Do you take felony DWI calls after hours?
Yes. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. A felony arrest does not wait for business hours. Call (612) 767-9643 to speak with us now.
What is conditional release after a felony DWI?
Conditional release is a 5-year period that follows a prison term. During this time you must follow court rules, like staying sober and using an interlock device. Breaking these rules can send you back to custody.
Will an old DWI still count against me?
It might. For license and interlock penalties, Minnesota now looks back 20 years. For the criminal charge, the count is based on events in the past 10 years, plus the felony forever rule. A lawyer can tell you how your priors are counted.