Helpful DWI/DUI Resources

Any Minnesota driver looking for the best and most specific advice on his or her particular case should contact a lawyer.  The attorneys at Olson Defense have 30 years of experience guiding our clients through the many confusing and complicated processes required to fight their DWI/DUI cases and get back on the road.  For the benefit of our clients, and for other drivers looking for resources, we have compiled the following resources for Minnesota drivers.

Ignition Interlock forms:

For drivers required to enroll in Minnesota's Ignition Interlock program, the paperwork alone can be a hassle.  At a minimum, drivers must complete the participation agreement, pay their reinstatement fee, and apply for a new license.  Drivers with prior offenses will need to complete a special awareness form and may need to submit a "last use statement."  Drivers who need to continue using a work vehicle may wish to complete the employment exemption.  All of that paperwork, as well as checklists and other materials, can be found on the DMV's website here.

Ignition Interlock installation:

The State of Minnesota contracts with six private companies who oversee the ignition interlock program.  Those six companies then subcontract to individual mechanic's shops who install and calibrate the devices in an individual driver's car.  Drivers enrolled in the ignition interlock program must have the device calibrated every month, so it is important to find a provider that subcontracts with a mechanic near your home or work so that you don't have to travel too far to have the device calibrated every month.  The DMV provides contact information for the six ignition interlock companies here.

Check your license status:

Drivers who are unsure whether a revocation has taken effect or ended can check their license status by going to the DMV website and following these steps:

1. Go to the DMV homepage here.
2. In the top left panel titled "Driver Services," select the link for "More Driver Services."
3. From the next page, select "Driver's License Status Lookup."
4. Enter your driver's license number and press search.

If your driver's license is valid, there will be no red font and no actions listed on the bottom of the next page.  If you have outstanding issues with your license, you should see big red letters that say "No Driving Privileges," and there will be a to-do list on bottom describing the steps you need to take to reinstate your license.

Victim Impact Panel

Drivers convicted of a DWI/DUI offense will be required to complete a victim impact panel.  In some cases, a driver who plans to enter a guilty plea may want to complete this program before pleading guilty and starting probation.  The Mothers Against Drunk Driving offer an online victim impact panel that can be accessed here.

There are many other resources available to Minnesota drivers facing DWI/DUI charges.  The experienced attorneys at Olson Defense can direct you to chemical dependency evaluators, treatment programs, and online "driving with care" classes, as well as many other valuable resources that can help you fight your case, minimize your consequences, and get life back on track.  If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI/DUI, do not hesitate to call our office at 952-835-1088 to speak with an attorney with the skill and experience to fight your case.