There are hundreds of DWI charges in Minnesota every week, but only a percentage of these go to trial. This is because many defendants choose to enter guilty pleas and move straight to sentencing.

So, if you’ve been charged with a DWI in Minnesota, should you go to trial, or just plead guilty?

Your Options After a Minnesota DWI Charge

After you get charged with a DWI offense, you have several options; each of these is discussed below. It’s important to note, however, that speaking with an experienced Minnesota DWI lawyer is the only way to figure out what the best course of action is in your case. 

Your attorney will walk you through several possible ways to resolve your case, each with its own risks and benefits.

Guilty Plea/Plea Deal

While the idea of pleading guilty might sound unappealing, under certain circumstances with a good plea negotiation that minimizes consequences,it can be the best route after a DWI charge. If the evidence against you is strong and there are no mitigating factors that might favor an acquittal at trial, it may be the right call. 

Most DWI convictions in Minnesota come from guilty pleas rather than trials.

Alford Plea

An Alford plea, also known as a “best-interests plea,” allows you to accept a conviction without admitting guilt. In this situation, you acknowledge that the prosecution likely has enough evidence to convict you, even if you maintain your innocence. 

These pleas result in criminal convictions, just as normal guilty pleas do.

Minnesota courts accept Alford pleas, but they do not accept “no contest” pleas.

Going to Trial

Choosing to go to trial essentially involves asking the court or a jury to decide your case based on the available evidence. Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s case, question witnesses, and argue for your acquittal. 

This is generally only the right decision if the evidence against you is weak or if your rights may have been violated during your arrest. Your attorney will be able to advise you whether or not going to trial is a viable option in your case.

The Pros and Cons of Taking Your DWI Case to Trial

Deciding to go to trial is not just about whether you “feel” innocent. It is about strategy, risk tolerance, and the strength of the evidence against you. 

Advantages of Going to Trial

• You have a chance at a full acquittal: If the prosecution cannot prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, you walk away without a conviction. For clients with strong defenses, this potential outcome makes a trial worth the risk.
• You maintain leverage: Sometimes, preparing for trial puts pressure on the prosecution. As weaknesses in their case become clear, they may offer a more favorable plea deal than what was initially available.

Disadvantages of Going to Trial

• The outcome is uncertain: This is the key point to bear in mind. Even strong cases carry risk. A judge or jury may still find you guilty, which may lead to harsher penalties since there would no longer be a plea agreement as to what the sentence should be which exists with a pretrial plea agreement.  
• More time, stress, and cost: Trials take significant time and require a lot of preparation. For some clients, the emotional and potential financial cost of a trial is a major factor in their decision.

Talk to a Minnesota DWI Lawyer About Your Options

When you’re weighing up the pros and cons of a Minnesota DWI trial, the right choice will depend on your own specific circumstances; the facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and your own risk tolerance. 

Reach out to us today to discuss whether a plea or trial is the best path forward for you.