Minneapolis Felony DWI Defense Attorney

When Does DWI Become a Felony Offense in MN?

DWI is a serious crime, and repeat offenses are punished severely. In Minnesota, a DWI charge is typically a misdemeanor unless certain aggravating factors apply. A DWI becomes a felony offense when:

• The driver has three or more prior DWI convictions in the past ten years.   
• The driver has previously been convicted of a felony DWI, or
• The driver’s impairment caused serious injury or death to another person.

New in 2025: Legislative changes under HR2130 expanded the look-back period for driver’s license revocations from 10 years to 20 years. This affects the administrative side of a case, meaning the length of license loss, but does not change how prior offenses are counted for criminal charging purposes.

Because of these changes, more drivers with older convictions may face longer revocation or cancellation periods if convicted, even if their prior offenses are too old to increase the criminal charge level. If you are arrested for DWI and have any prior convictions, it is critical to speak with an attorney right away.

A felony DWI puts serious prison time on the table. Call (612) 444-5020 for a FREE consultation. Our Minneapolis felony DWI attorneys are available 24/7.

Severe Consequences of a Felony DWI Conviction in MN

Minnesota places harsh penalties on individuals convicted of felony DWI. These punishments may include:

• A prison sentence of up to 7 years
• A fine of up to $14,000
• Long-term cancellation of driving privileges
• Mandatory treatment and ignition interlock participation
• A permanent felony record

A felony DWI conviction can also affect your ability to find housing, secure employment, or obtain professional licensing. These cases are aggressively prosecuted and have long-lasting consequences, which is why early legal intervention is critical.

How Does Felony DWI Affect My Driver’s License?

A felony DWI conviction typically results in license cancellation, not just revocation. That means your driving privileges are wiped out, and you must reapply for a new license after the penalty period ends.

Under current law:

• A third DWI leads to 6 years of cancellation
• A fourth DWI results in 10 years of cancellation
• These cancellation periods are based on the administrative penalties imposed by the state, which now use a 20-year look-back to determine whether a prior offense counts toward your revocation or cancellation period
• You’ll be required to enroll in the ignition interlock program for the entire period and complete a substance use disorder treatment program to be eligible for reinstatement
• If you violate interlock rules, your time in the program may be extended or restarted

Navigating the reinstatement process can be complex. A skilled defense attorney can help you avoid unnecessary delays, challenge the length of your cancellation, or work toward a limited license when possible.

Will a Felony DWI Stay on My Record Forever?

Yes. A felony DWI conviction in Minnesota will remain on your criminal record permanently and can carry serious consequences far beyond fines and jail time.

Long-term consequences of a felony DWI record may include:

• Loss of civil rights, including firearm ownership in many cases
• Barriers to employment, especially in commercial driving, healthcare, education, and public sector jobs
• Difficulty obtaining housing, security clearances, or professional licenses
• Immigration consequences, including visa denial or deportation for non-citizens
• Increased penalties if you are ever arrested again, even for unrelated crimes

While expungement may be possible in some non-violent felony cases, felony DWIs are not eligible for expungement under Minnesota law. That makes early legal intervention critical. The only way to avoid the lifetime impact is to avoid the conviction in the first place.

At Tamburino Law Group, we fight aggressively to prevent felony convictions whenever possible. Whether that means disputing the use of prior offenses, negotiating a reduced charge, or presenting a strong defense in court, we are committed to protecting your record and your future.

Get Immediate Legal Help for Felony DWI Charges

If you’ve been charged with felony DWI in Minnesota, you can expect the state to prosecute your case aggressively. With the expanded 20-year look-back period for license revocations and the harsh new revocation and cancellation laws now in effect, you need a defense team that knows how to challenge both the criminal charges and the administrative penalties.

At Tamburino Law Group, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience and a proven track record in high-stakes DWI defense. We are ready to step in immediately and build a strategy tailored to your situation.

Call (612) 444-5020 now for a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24/7.