Charged with a DWI or traffic offense in Hennepin County? Jay Carey has personally defended over 1,000 DWI cases in Minnesota courts over 25 years. Call now for a free, confidential case review – available 24/7.
With deep expertise in DWI defense, traffic violations, and drunk driving charges, Jay Carey provides strategic representation tailored to your unique case. Whether you face reckless driving, speeding violations, or drug-related driving offenses, Jay is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible legal outcome.
100% Confidential | Attorney-Client Privilege Applies
One DWI under Minn. Stat. §169A can cascade into job loss, a revoked license, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for years.
A Minneapolis traffic charge can affect more than your driving record. Depending on the offense, you may face court appearances, license restrictions, higher insurance costs, CDL consequences, and long-term background check issues. Early legal help allows Jay Carey to review the stop, evidence, deadlines, and possible defenses before the charge creates bigger problems for your work, license, and future.
Jay has personally handled 1,000+ DWI cases. He challenges the traffic stop, breathalyzer calibration, implied consent procedure, and whiskey plate orders across all degrees under Minn. Stat. §169A.
Speeds over 100 mph are automatic misdemeanors in Minnesota. As your traffic defense attorney, Jay challenges LIDAR/radar records and has secured reductions from misdemeanor to petty misdemeanor for Hennepin County clients.
Driving after revocation (DAR) compounds your original charge. A skilled traffic defense attorney navigates reinstatement, hardship licenses, and point accumulation with the Minnesota DPS — and Jay handles every step personally.
Criminal vehicular operation and hit-and-run are felony prosecutions. Jay preserves evidence immediately - before the state builds its narrative.
CDL holders face a 0.04% BAC threshold. One conviction triggers federal disqualification. Jay defends commercial drivers at state and FMCSA administrative levels.
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Trained Under a Former District Court Judge A perspective no other Minnesota DWI firm can offer.
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| Degree | Class | Jail | Fine | Key Triggers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th |
Misdemeanor |
90 days |
$1,000 |
1st offense, BAC .08–.15 |
|
3rd |
Gross Misd. |
1 year |
$3,000 |
BAC .16+, child in vehicle, prior within 10 yrs |
|
2nd |
Gross Misd. |
1 year |
$3,000 |
Two aggravating factors |
|
1st |
Felony |
7 years |
$14,000 |
3+ prior DWI offenses within 10 years |
Refusal is a civil offense under Minn. Stat. §169A.52 — automatic license revocation for at least one year. You have 7 days to request an implied consent hearing. Jay challenges whether proper stop procedures were followed.
Even a petty misdemeanor conviction raises premiums 20–30% at renewal. Jay may negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation to protect your record and rates.
Jay Carey has practiced law in Minnesota for 25 years. He started his career at one of the state’s largest firms, then trained under a prominent DWI defense attorney who had previously served as a district court judge — giving Jay a unique perspective on DWI defense. He founded Jay Carey Law in 2006, devoting nearly 100% of his practice to DWI and criminal defense.
• Minnesota — 2000 • U.S. District Court, Dist. of MN — 2001
• Washington Univ. School of Law, J.D. 2000 • College of the Holy Cross, B.A. Economics (cum laude) 1997
• MN State Bar Association • Hennepin County Bar — Criminal Law Section • MN Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL)
• "DWI defense attorney Jay Carey Minneapolis MN" Schema: Person + Attorney + MN bar link required
Jay Carey represents clients as a trusted traffic defense attorney in the Fourth Judicial District Court and handles DPS administrative hearings across the Twin Cities metro.
