24/7 MN DWI Bail Help
Minnesota DWI
Bail Bonds
If someone you care about has been arrested for driving while impaired in Minnesota, GPS Bail Bonds can help you understand the next steps — 24/7.
- 24/7 Minnesota bail bond assistance
- Help understanding DWI bond requirements and release conditions
- Assistance with eligible misdemeanor and felony DWI cases
- A court — not a bail bond company — decides bail; not every case is bondable.
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On this page
DWI Bail Bond Guide
Understanding the charge
What Is a DWI Charge in Minnesota?
- Under Minn. Stat. §169A.20, it is a crime to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired.
- Impairment can be alcohol-related — being under the influence, or an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.
- It can also involve a controlled substance, certain hazardous substances, or a combination with alcohol.
- Refusing a lawfully requested chemical test is a separate crime under the same statute.
- How serious a DWI is depends largely on qualifying prior incidents and aggravating factors.
- An arrest is a charge, not a release decision — some people are released without bail, and a bond is only needed when the court sets money bail.
Statute information
Minnesota DWI Charges by Degree
Minnesota grades DWI from fourth degree (least serious) to first degree (most serious). The degree depends on aggravating factors and prior history defined in statute — and it is separate from the bail decision.
Minn. Stat. §169A.27
Fourth-Degree DWI
- A §169A.20 violation with no aggravating factors present
- Commonly associated with a first offense, though charging depends on the facts
- Classification
- A misdemeanor.
- History & circumstances
- A first arrest is not automatically fourth degree — a high alcohol concentration, a child in the vehicle or a test refusal can raise the degree.
- Bail is separate
- The degree charged does not set the bail. A judge decides release under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 and the DWI release statutes, based on the individual case.
- Confirm current bail
- Ask the jail or check the county's official inmate search for the current charge, bail and conditions; these can change after a first appearance.
Many fourth-degree cases are released on conditions without money bail. The court decides.
Minn. Stat. §169A.26
Third-Degree DWI
- A DWI with one aggravating factor
- Or a chemical-test refusal with no aggravating factor
- Classification
- A gross misdemeanor.
- History & circumstances
- A single qualifying prior incident within ten years is itself one aggravating factor.
- Bail is separate
- The degree charged does not set the bail. A judge decides release under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 and the DWI release statutes, based on the individual case.
- Confirm current bail
- Ask the jail or check the county's official inmate search for the current charge, bail and conditions; these can change after a first appearance.
Release conditions such as alcohol abstinence or monitoring may apply. Confirm the actual charge with the jail or court.
Minn. Stat. §169A.25
Second-Degree DWI
- A DWI with two or more aggravating factors
- Or a test refusal with at least one aggravating factor
- Classification
- A gross misdemeanor — the same class as third degree, but with more aggravating factors.
- History & circumstances
- Each qualifying prior incident within ten years counts as a separate aggravating factor.
- Bail is separate
- The degree charged does not set the bail. A judge decides release under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 and the DWI release statutes, based on the individual case.
- Confirm current bail
- Ask the jail or check the county's official inmate search for the current charge, bail and conditions; these can change after a first appearance.
Conditional-release and monitoring requirements under §169A.44 commonly come into play.
Minn. Stat. §169A.24
First-Degree DWI
- A DWI within ten years of three or more qualified prior impaired-driving incidents
- Or a DWI after a prior felony DWI or certain criminal-vehicular-operation convictions
- Classification
- A felony.
- History & circumstances
- Felony status turns on the specific prior history in the statute — not a simple "fourth DUI" rule.
- Bail is separate
- The degree charged does not set the bail. A judge decides release under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 and the DWI release statutes, based on the individual case.
- Confirm current bail
- Ask the jail or check the county's official inmate search for the current charge, bail and conditions; these can change after a first appearance.
Felony DWI involves closer court and underwriting review. Bond approval is never guaranteed.
DWI Aggravating Factors — §169A.03, Subd. 3
Minnesota law recognizes three categories of aggravating factors:
- A qualified prior impaired-driving incident within the ten years before the current offense
- An alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more, measured within two hours of driving
- A child under 16 in the vehicle who is more than 36 months younger than the driver
Each qualifying prior incident is counted separately. A high alcohol concentration alone raises the degree but does not, by itself, make a DWI a felony.
This is general information, not legal advice. Statutory language can change — always check the current text on the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes website and speak with a criminal defense attorney about a specific charge.
Pretrial release
Conditional vs. Unconditional Release in Minnesota DWI Cases
Rule 6.02 governs pretrial release generally, and Minn. Stat. §169A.44 adds DWI-specific requirements for certain custodial arrests.
Release on recognizance
When authorized, release on a personal promise to appear. Common in many lower-level DWI cases.
Money bail vs. conditions
The court can set money bail, nonmonetary conditions, or both. Under Rule 6.02, conditional release must be paired with an unconditional bail amount.
Alcohol abstinence
Courts commonly order no alcohol or controlled substances, sometimes with testing.
Electronic alcohol monitoring
§169A.44 can require monitoring in specified nonfelony cases after a custodial arrest, subject to its exceptions — not in every DWI case.
Ignition interlock & supervision
In some cases, ignition interlock participation can satisfy certain monitoring requirements. Courts can also order supervision or check-ins.
Felony DWI conditions
Minn. Stat. §169A.44 subd. 2 applies only under the specific statutory conditions it describes, such as certain first-degree (felony) DWI arrests. When it applies, it lists release conditions like plate impoundment, weekly probation reporting and alcohol testing — and it remains subject to the law's exceptions.
Holds and orders still apply
Posting a bond does not lift release conditions, other holds or warrants.
This is a plain-language summary. Not every DWI arrestee must wear an alcohol monitor or install an interlock — the exact terms are in the court's order.
Costs
How Much Does a DWI Bail Bond Cost in Minnesota?
A judge or court decides whether bail is set and how much. A bail bond producer then charges a premium based on the applicable approved surety rate and Minnesota law.
Bail amount
The amount set by the court. GPS cannot set, lower or guarantee a bail amount.
Surety bond premium
The fee for the bond, based on the applicable approved surety rate. It is generally not refunded.
Upfront premium payment
At least 50% of the premium on bonds of $10,000 or less, and at least 30% above $10,000, before posting.
Remaining premium
Where permitted, any unpaid premium must be paid within the time limits set by Minnesota law.
Collateral
Some bonds may require collateral, depending on the bond amount and underwriting review.
Cosigner responsibilities
A cosigner (indemnitor) may be responsible for the full bond amount if the defendant does not appear in court.
Cash Bail vs. a Surety Bond
- Cash bail: the full court-set amount is paid to the court. It may be returned at the end of the case, subject to court rules and deductions.
- Surety bond: a licensed bail bond producer guarantees the full amount to the court, when the court authorizes a surety bond. You pay a non-refundable premium instead of the full bail.
- Costs of court-ordered alcohol monitoring or ignition interlock are separate from any GPS bond premium.
Illustration only: Minnesota law sets a $100 minimum premium. GPS confirms the actual premium in writing before anything is signed — no GPS rate is published here.
DWI-Specific Bail Limits — §629.471
- Minn. Stat. §629.471 caps cash bail for most misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, but allows higher maximums for certain DWI offenses.
- Felony DWI is not subject to those misdemeanor and gross-misdemeanor caps.
- A statutory maximum is a ceiling — not the bail a court actually sets in a given case.
Estimated cost breakdown
Enter a bail amount to begin
Use the court-set bond amount from the jail or court.
Estimates are for informational purposes only and are not a binding quote or financing offer. Actual premiums are based on the applicable approved surety rate. Payment arrangements depend on eligibility, underwriting, and Minnesota law. Call GPS Bail Bonds for a case-specific quote.
Calculator results are illustrations only — not a GPS quote. Your actual premium is confirmed by GPS before anything is signed.
Reviews
What Minnesota Families Say About GPS
Read customer feedback and see the latest rating on Google's listing.
Payment
Minnesota DWI Bail Bond Payment Options
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 60M sets minimum rules for how bail bond premiums are collected. Any DWI bond payment arrangement must fit within those rules.
Bonds of $10,000 or less
- At least 50% of the premium is collected before posting, with a receipt
- Any balance requires a signed promissory note and full payment within four months of posting
Bonds over $10,000
- At least 30% of the premium is collected before posting, with a receipt
- Any balance requires a signed promissory note and full payment within twelve months of posting
- These are legal minimums, not a promise of a payment plan. Payment eligibility and bond eligibility both depend on the bond, underwriting review and cosigner.
- Minnesota sets a $100 minimum premium. Promissory notes must use an approved form; annual interest cannot exceed 6%.
- Collateral and a cosigner may be required. Approval and release timing are not guaranteed.
- GPS explains every cost and obligation before you sign anything.
Why GPS
Why Choose GPS for a DWI Bail Bond?
GPS Bail Bonds helps Minnesota families understand DWI bail and bond requirements, day or night. We don't provide legal representation or promise court outcomes.
Available 24 Hours a Day
- Calls answered nights, weekends and holidays
- Many DWI arrests happen overnight
Help With DWI Bail Requirements
- What a bail amount or release condition means
- How monitoring conditions relate to a bond
Minnesota Jail Procedures
- Familiar with Minnesota bail requirements
- Experience with county jail posting procedures
Premiums & Paperwork Explained
- Premium, paperwork and cosigner duties in plain language
- No hidden obligations
Authorized Bond Arrangements
- Whether a surety bond is authorized
- What underwriting may require
Statewide County Coverage
- Based in the Big Lake area
- Helping families across Minnesota counties
Bond availability
Can Someone Get a Bail Bond for a DWI in Minnesota?
Some people are released after a DWI arrest without buying a bail bond. Others must meet monetary or nonmonetary conditions first. These questions decide which applies.
Has bail been set?
The court decides whether monetary bail is set, and in what amount.
Is a surety bond allowed?
The court's order determines whether a surety bond is an authorized way to post bail.
Release conditions
DWI cases can carry abstinence, monitoring or interlock conditions in addition to — or instead of — money bail.
Holds or warrants
A probation hold, warrant or detainer can prevent release even if bail is posted.
Pending hearings
Some DWI cases must go before a judge before bail or conditions are decided.
GPS underwriting
Separately from the court, GPS reviews each bond before agreeing to write it.
Release decisions belong to the court. GPS's decision to write a bond is a separate business decision based on underwriting.
Serious cases
Bail Bond Assistance for Serious DWI Cases
More serious DWI cases can involve different court proceedings, release conditions and underwriting review. These circumstances often call for closer review:
- First-degree felony DWI
- Multiple qualifying prior incidents
- Alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more
- A child in the vehicle
- Chemical-test refusal
- Probation holds or warrants
- A collision or injury
- Court-ordered alcohol monitoring
- Additional charges from the same event
Practical next steps
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Minnesota?
Not every DWI arrest leaves someone in jail or requires a commercial bail bond. These steps help families get a clear picture quickly.
Confirm the name and arrest county
Get the defendant's full legal name, date of birth and the county where the arrest happened.
Locate the holding facility
Use the county's official inmate search or call the jail to confirm where the person is held.
Check whether bail has been set
Some DWI arrests are held for a first appearance; others are released on conditions. Ask whether bail is set and if a surety bond is allowed.
Identify holds and DWI conditions
Ask about probation holds, warrants and conditions such as abstinence, alcohol monitoring or interlock.
Contact GPS about a bond
Share what you've learned so GPS can explain whether an authorized surety bond may be an option.
Prepare information and follow orders
Keep IDs, court dates and release instructions together. Contact a defense attorney or ask about a public defender.
Example: for DWI arrests in the Big Lake and Elk River area, see the Sherburne County bail bonds guide. GPS helps with DWI bail bonds statewide.
The process
How DWI Bail Bonds Work in Minnesota
When a surety bond is authorized, the process generally follows these five steps. Approval and release timing are not guaranteed.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
Be prepared
What to Have Ready When You Call About DWI Bail
Knowing the exact DWI degree can help, but it isn't required — share what you know and we'll help with the rest.
Defendant's Full Legal Name
As it would appear on booking records.
Date of Birth or Approximate Age
Helps confirm the right person on a roster.
Arrest County or City
Tells us which jail is most likely holding them.
Jail or Booking Number
Helpful if you have it, but not required.
Bail & Release Information
Any bail amount, monitoring condition or hearing date you've been told.
Your Contact Info & Relationship
So we can reach you and explain cosigner options.
FAQs
DWI Bail Bonds FAQs
Minnesota-specific answers to the questions families ask us most.
Not sure where someone is held? See our Sherburne County bail bonds guide.
Usually, but it depends on the case. Many people are released on their own recognizance or on conditions without money bail. When a court sets money bail and authorizes a surety bond, a bail bond may be an option.
Service area
Minnesota Counties We Serve
GPS Bail Bonds is based in the Big Lake area and helps families with DWI bail bonds across Minnesota, including these counties.
Sherburne County
Serving Big Lake, Elk River, Becker, Zimmerman, and surrounding Sherburne County communities.
Explore Sherburne County
Wright County
Bail bond assistance for Monticello, Albertville, Otsego, Buffalo, and communities throughout Wright County.
Explore Wright County
Stearns County
Helping families navigate bail bonds in St. Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park, and surrounding Stearns County communities.
Explore Stearns County
Anoka County
Helping families throughout Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and neighboring communities understand their bail options.
Explore Anoka County
Hennepin County
Bail bond assistance for Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, and other Hennepin County communities.
View Counties We Serve
Isanti County
Serving Cambridge, Isanti, and surrounding communities with Minnesota bail bond assistance.
Explore Isanti CountyCounty guides beyond Sherburne are coming soon. GPS helps families throughout Minnesota — reach out any time.
Need Help With a Minnesota DWI Bail Bond?
GPS Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to help you understand the next steps for eligible DWI bail bond cases across Minnesota.
- DWI crime — §169A.20 (opens an external site)
- Aggravating factors — §169A.03 (opens an external site)
- First-degree DWI — §169A.24 (opens an external site)
- Second-degree DWI — §169A.25 (opens an external site)
- Third-degree DWI — §169A.26 (opens an external site)
- Fourth-degree DWI — §169A.27 (opens an external site)
- Arrest and release — §169A.40 (opens an external site)
- Conditional release — §169A.44 (opens an external site)
- Bail limits — §629.471 (opens an external site)
- Minn. Stat. §60M.02 (opens an external site)
- Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 (opens an external site)
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Minnesota legal-content review pending. General information only — not legal advice. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your case.