Facing a DWI charge? Our experienced Minnesota DWI attorneys know how to protect your rights.
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Being charged with a DWI in Minnesota is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Your freedom, your driver’s license, your job, and your reputation may all be at risk. Choosing the right Minneapolis or St. Paul DWI lawyer can make a decisive difference in how your case is resolved.
At Leverson Budke, we have successfully guided countless Minnesotans through the DWI process. We don’t treat clients like case numbers, and we don’t take shortcuts that put your future at risk. When you hire our firm, you get experienced, trial-ready attorneys who are committed to doing what is truly in your best interest.
Many DWI attorneys focus on quick plea deals to move cases off their desk. That’s not how we practice law. At Leverson Budke:
We fight for your rights, not quick settlements.
We work directly with clients. No hand-offs to junior associates.
We prepare every DWI case as if it’s going to trial.
We provide honest, realistic assessments, not false promises.
We aren’t in business to cash in on your misfortune. We’re here to stand by your side when you need it most. Our goal is to minimize the consequences you face, protect your future, and when possible, fight to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
When you hire Leverson Budke, your case will be handled by Steve Leverson or Nick Budke, not passed off to an assistant or contract attorney. Both attorneys have extensive experience defending DWI charges throughout Minnesota, including cases involving:
First-time DWI offenses
Refusal cases
Second and subsequent DWIs
Drug-related DWIs
High BAC allegations
Felony DWI charges
We take the time to understand the unique facts of your case and build a defense strategy tailored specifically to you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to DWI defense — and we refuse to treat your case like one.
We’ve earned numerous independent honors, including being named one of the 10 Best DWI Lawyers (2017) by the American Institute of Legal Counsel and among the Three Best Rated DWI Lawyers in St. Paul. Additional recognitions include 10 Best Criminal Law Attorney, Top 40 Under 40, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Mitchell Hamline Adjunct Professor of the Year, and Lead Counsel Rated Attorney—reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation.
Minnesota has some of the toughest DWI laws in the country. A conviction can result in:
A DWI charge can quickly disrupt your life, often leading to immediate consequences such as restricted driving privileges, potential jail time, and added stress on your job, family, and future. The long-term penalties depend on the severity of the offense and whether it’s a first-time or repeat charge, ranging from a 30–90 day license suspension and fines up to $1,000 for a first offense, to harsher outcomes like plate impoundment, vehicle seizure, fines up to $14,000, and even up to seven years in prison for repeat or aggravated cases. No matter your situation, being charged does not mean you are out of options—an experienced St. Paul DWI lawyer can help fight to reduce the penalties, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible resolution.
We take a thorough, strategic approach to defending DWI charges. Our defense strategies often include:
Every case is unique, and we take the time to carefully evaluate the details so we can build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. Because we are experienced trial attorneys with a proven record in the courtroom, prosecutors know we won’t hesitate to fight for you in court if that’s what your case requires. That level of readiness and determination creates real leverage and it can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights and your future. What you do next can directly affect your driver’s license, your criminal case, and your long-term record:
A DWI arrest can have serious consequences, but you do not have to face it alone. The decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest can make a major difference. Early legal intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case and help you pursue the best possible resolution.
Contacting the firm is free. We understand that the disputes facing you, your family or your business can seem daunting.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere in Minnesota, don’t wait. The sooner you get legal guidance, the more options you may have. Contact Leverson Budke today to speak directly with Steve or Nick and receive an honest, expert evaluation of your case.
A DWI (Driving While Impaired) is a criminal offense that occurs when someone operates a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. In Minnesota, a driver can be charged with a DWI for having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or for being impaired even without a specific BAC reading.
In Minnesota, DWI is the official legal term, not DUI. While many people use “DUI” casually, Minnesota law charges impaired driving offenses as DWI (Driving While Impaired). The meaning is essentially the same, but DWI is the term used in court and in criminal statutes.
Yes, you can refuse a field sobriety test in St. Paul. Field sobriety tests—such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg—are voluntary in Minnesota. However, refusing may increase police suspicion and could still lead to an arrest based on other observations.
No, you do not have the right to speak with an attorney before deciding whether to take field sobriety tests. These roadside tests occur during an investigation, and the right to counsel typically applies later—such as before deciding whether to take a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine).
Minnesota classifies DWI offenses from fourth to first degree, based on prior DWIs, alcohol concentration, and aggravating factors. Fourth-degree is typically a first offense. First-degree is a felony and involves three or more prior DWIs or serious aggravating circumstances. Higher degrees carry harsher penalties, longer license revocations, and possible prison time.
The penalties for a DWI in Minnesota depend on the circumstances of the arrest. A conviction may result in jail time, significant fines, and long-term consequences such as driver’s license suspension, probation, mandatory alcohol education or treatment, and ignition interlock requirements. More serious cases, such as repeat offenses or high BAC levels, can lead to felony charges and harsher penalties.
A first-time DWI in Saint Paul may result in jail time, but many first offenses do not lead to significant incarceration, especially if there are no aggravating factors. Jail is still legally possible, and penalties increase if the BAC is high, a child was in the vehicle, or the driver has prior offenses.
In many cases, yes. Minnesota has strict implied consent laws, meaning your license may be suspended soon after a DWI arrest—even before your case goes to court. The length of suspension depends on your BAC level, prior offenses, and whether you refused testing.
If you live outside Minnesota, a DWI arrest can still impact your driving privileges. Minnesota may suspend your driving rights within the state and report the offense to your home state through the Driver License Compact, which can lead to additional suspension or penalties where you live.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having an experienced DWI attorney can make a major difference. A DWI charge can affect your license, job, insurance, and criminal record. A lawyer can evaluate the stop, challenge the evidence, and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal when possible.
