Misdemeanors are on the low end of the spectrum of crimes, each punishable in Minnesota by a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail, or both. Gross misdemeanors are offenses punishable in Minnesota by a $3,000 fine or up to 1 year in jail, or both. Felonies involve sentences of over one year in jail and do result in loss of your civil rights, i.e. the right to vote, or bear arms.
Drivers' license problems are in addition to and separate from the criminal charges. The role of a good lawyer in these cases is to guide the client through the legal maze and reduce the penalties through negotiation or litigation.
If there is no valid reason for the stop/arrest, you need to challenge both the driver's license revocation (implied consent hearing) and the arrest. The role of your attorney is to advise you what issues to challenge and guide you through the process.
