Minnesota DWI Attorney: Driving While Impaired and Vehicle Forfeiture

The State of Minnesota takes a hard stance against DWIs. You may find yourself facing significant jail time, large penalties, loss of your driver’s license, and license plate impoundment. In addition to these penalties, you may lose your vehicle.

The State of Minnesota can initial foreclosure proceedings against vehicles that have been used in connection with certain Second and First Degree DWIs. The State may also initiate foreclosure proceedings against your vehicle if you have been arrested for a DWI or related offense and your driver’s license has been cancelled as inimical to public safety and not reinstated or you have a restricted driver’s license which forbids you from consuming alcohol or chemical substances while driving.

The State may take your vehicle if:

• You are convicted of a First or Second Degree DWI;
• You are convicted of DWI offense and your Minnesota driving privileges were previously canceled as inimical to public safety;
• You are convicted of driving while intoxicated and at the time of the offense your Minnesota driver’s license had a restriction against the use or consumption of any amount of alcohol or controlled substance, which is known as a B card restriction.

You do have options if your vehicle is being forfeited. You may be able to have your vehicle released from custody by surrendering the title or posting a bond. You may also file a Petition for Judicial Review of the forfeiture within 30 days after receiving the notice of seizure and forfeiture. If you failed to contest the forfeiture within the 30 day period you will have waived your right to contest vehicle forfeiture.

In addition to losing your vehicle, if you borrowed money to purchase the vehicle the lender may come after you for the amount that you owe on your vehicle. This could lead to garnishment of your wages and levies against your bank accounts.

It is imperative that you hire a Minnesota DWI attorney to combat the negative consequences association with a DWI arrest. Call Patrick L. Hayes at 612-821-4817 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a free consultation.