Scott County DWI Attorney
DWI/DUI plate impoundment is just one of the administrative penalties that a person may have to face if they are charged with a drunk driving or impaired driving offense. What this penalty involves is the state taking the license plate from the offender if there are certain circumstances that exist.
This is a penalty that can result in hardship and embarrassment for drivers that are impacted by it. Impoundment orders occur when the drunk driver is ordered to surrender the license plates on their vehicles to law enforcement, which can put a stop to the ability to drive until a temporary permit is acquired.
If you have been charged with DWI/DUI and plate impoundment is something that you are facing, having an experienced Waconia DWI attorney defending you can end in a more positive result.
Helping You Understand Your Options
In Minnesota, a person’s license plate can be impounded if they have had two or more drunk driving convictions or their license has been revoked twice within the past ten years. A first-time offender can have their license plate impounded if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16 or more or if there was a minor under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense. Those who have been found operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license could also face plate impoundment, which is going to affect all of their vehicles no matter who drives them.
This is a process that occurs rather fast. The arresting officer will issue an order, but the officer will issue a permit that will allow for the vehicle to be licensed temporarily for seven days if the driver is the registrant. If the vehicle is in someone else’s name, the permit is good for 45 days. If the arresting officer does not issue the order or the permit, then a judge or an individual from the Department of Public Safety can do so on behalf of the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Fighting License Plate Impoundment
Your Minnesota DWI attorney will help you fight DWI and the penalties that result, such as plate impoundment. Your case will be investigated and a strategic defense will be developed so that you can obtain the best possible result. If plate impoundment is imminent, it is possible to apply for a limited driver’s license and receive temporary license plates. These plates or “whiskey plates” remain on the vehicle until permanent plates can be acquired. The whiskey plates contain special letters that indicate to law enforcement what they are. What is important, however, is that the limited driver’s license does allow for necessary driving, such as going to school or work or taking care of life’s necessities.
Contact A Shakopee DWI/DUI Lawyer
Plate impoundment is just one of the administrative penalties that can occur when dealing with DWI and it is one that can affect all vehicles that are in the name of the person charged, regardless of who drives the vehicle. If you have been charged with DWI, you could be facing plate impoundment, as well as a number of other administrative penalties. To fight the charges and their penalties, it is important to involve an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible. To learn more, contact Langemo Law at 952-556-0056 and schedule a free consultation.