Legal Question in Traffic Law in Minnesota

Re: driving w/o ins

This offense is a misdemeanor, which means maximum jail time of 90 days and maximum fine of $1000. It's serious. If someone gets hurt while you are driving without insurance, their life can be affected for years. The judges don't take it lightly.

You need a lawyer to represent you in this. The lawyer is not there to "get you off," but acts as sort of a tour guide for you through the court system - and also as some insulation from the worst consequences.

If you were my client I'd say get yourself some insurance and bring proof that you now have some to the court when you go. I would also want to hear the entire story about how it was that you had no insurance. Most people have some kind of a story. You need someone to explain for you how this was a mistake which hasn't happened before and it's not going to happpen again.

For example, perhaps your wife was having a baby the week the premium was due and all the disruption from the new child (it was your first, right?) and the lack of sleep caused you to ignore the notices in the mail, etc. Maybe your story isn't that good, but everybody has one. The trouble is that in front of a judge there's a tendency to freeze and not be able to tell the whole story. A lawyer is a loose tongue for hire for such occasions.

Good luck.

This response if for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are advised to consult the attorney of your choice concerning the details of your case.