Avoid Common Mistakes After an Arrest in Minnesota Essential Tips
                     Common Mistakes People Make 
After Being Arrested in Minnesota
Being arrested in Minnesota can be a life-altering experience. 
The decisions you make in the hours and days following can 
significantly impact your future. This guide will help you avoid 
the most common and costly mistakes people make after an 
arrest.
The High Stakes of a Minnesota Arrest
A criminal charge in Minnesota isn't just a temporary 
inconvenience—it's a potential lifelong burden that 
can follow you through background checks, job 
applications, and housing searches for years to come.
The financial implications alone are staggering: 
thousands in fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums, 
and potential loss of income or employment 
opportunities.
Mistake #1: Not Taking the Matter Seriously
Long-Term Consequences Action Required
Many people underestimate how a Immediate consultation with a legal 
conviction can affect their lives for years professional can make the difference 
or even decades, assuming it will simply between a dismissed case and a life-
"go away" with time. altering conviction.
Mistake #2: Talking Too Much to Police 
Without a Lawyer
"Anything you say can and will be used against you in 
a court of law."
This Miranda warning isn't just a line from TV shows—it's a 
critical constitutional protection. Even statements that seem 
harmless or explanatory can be interpreted differently in court.
The right to remain silent is your strongest protection 
immediately after arrest. Simply state: "I am exercising my 
right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney."
Mistake #3: Not Hiring an Experienced 
Minnesota Attorney
Time-Sensitive Complex Legal System Power Imbalance
Minnesota DWI cases have Minnesota's criminal statutes The prosecution has teams of 
critical deadlines—some as short contain nuanced requirements attorneys, police resources, and 
as 30 days—after which you that only experienced attorneys the power of the state behind 
permanently lose certain rights fully understand and can them—you need a skilled 
and defenses. navigate effectively. advocate to level the playing 
field.
Mistake #4: Accepting the Prosecutor's 
First Offer
Prosecutors often present the first plea offer as "the best deal 
available," but this is rarely true. Initial offers are designed to:
• Close cases quickly and efficiently for the prosecution
• Secure a conviction before evidence can be thoroughly 
examined
• Prevent constitutional challenges that might weaken or 
dismiss the case
A skilled defense attorney can often negotiate significantly 
better terms or identify grounds for dismissal that you might 
never discover on your own.
Mistake #5: Failing to Comply with Driver's 
License Laws
60-Day Deadline Compounding Penalties Alternative 
Transportation
In Minnesota, you have just 60 Driving after a license Plan for transportation needs 
days to petition for judicial suspension can transform a immediately after arrest—
review of a license revocation simple DWI into multiple rideshare services, public 
under the implied consent law charges, each carrying transportation, or relying on 
—miss this window, and you separate penalties including friends and family are essential 
lose this right permanently. mandatory jail time. until license issues are 
resolved.
Mistake #6: Failing to Appear in Court
Consequences of Missing Court
• Immediate issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest
• Forfeiture of any bail or bond money already paid
• Additional criminal charge of "failure to appear"
• Heightened scrutiny and potentially harsher treatment in 
future proceedings
Even if you believe your case might be dismissed or you've 
hired an attorney, never assume your personal appearance 
is optional unless specifically informed by your attorney.
Court dates are non-negotiable obligations that take precedence over work, travel, or other commitments.
Mistake #7: Overlooking Police Mistakes 
That Can Help Your Case
Traffic Stop 1
Police must have valid reasonable suspicion to 
initiate a traffic stop. Random stops or those 
based on hunches are unconstitutional and can 2 Field Sobriety Tests
invalidate the entire case. These tests must be administered according to 
strict protocols. Physical conditions, weather, 
Breathalyzer Testing 3 footwear, and medical issues can all affect 
Breath test machines require proper calibration performance regardless of intoxication level.
and maintenance. Factors like certain medical 
conditions, recent dental work, or even some 4 Blood/Urine Testing
foods can produce false positive results. Chain of custody issues, improper storage, or 
testing errors can compromise chemical test 
reliability and may provide grounds for 
evidence suppression.
Reach Us At
Lynne Torgerson Criminal 
Defense Attorney
60 South Sixth Street Suite 2800 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(612) 339-5073
[email protected]
lynnetorgerson.com