While many Minnesotans might believe that they cannot be charged with driving while impaired unless they are stopped while their vehicles are moving, the law says otherwise. In Minnesota, it is possible to be arrested and charged with a DWI even while the vehicle is stopped and the car is turned off under certain circumstances…. Read more »
Physical control or how to get a DWI without driving in Minnesota
In Minnesota, Being Charged with a DUI Can Result in a Revoked Visa – Guilty or Not
Earlier in 2016, the Department of State released new guidelines regarding the revocation of non-immigrant work visas in cases where it receives “derogatory information” regarding the visa holder. This derogatory information includes an arrest for DWI or DUI. The arrest does not have to lead to a conviction. Simply being taken into custody and charged… Read more »
Supreme Court Backs Minnesota’s Right to Charge Breathalyzer Refusers Criminally
Approximately, 20,000 people a year are suspected of driving while intoxicated. Many of these drivers refuse a breathalyzer test thinking it will keep them from getting a DWI charge. In Minnesota, that refusal could land you in jail on criminal charges and now, the Supreme Court has backed Minnesota and other states’ right to do… Read more »
Refusing A Blood or Urine Test: Is It A Crime in Minnesota and Wisconsin?
Oh boy. You got pulled over by the police, and you may be over the allowed alcohol limit. What now? Do you have to submit to a blood or urine test? Is refusing a blood test or urine test a crime? Not so fast. Let’s look at the facts. Implied Consent Minnesota and Wisconsin law… Read more »
Can an Intoxicated Person Get a DWI For Riding a Hoverboard?
Under Minnesota law, it is illegal to drive, operate, or control a “motor vehicle” while intoxicated over the legal blood-alcohol limit of .08. Minnesota defines “motor vehicle” as “every vehicle that is self-propelled and every vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires. The term includes motorboats in operation and off-road recreational… Read more »
The Facts and Impact of a Minnesota B-Card & DWI Arrest
Drivers in Minnesota who have had their driver’s license canceled after three or more DWI or impaired driving convictions within ten years or four such convictions on their record can apply for a B-Card if certain conditions are met. But before applying, it’s important to know the facts and impact of a B-Card. A B-Card is a restricted driver’s license issued after an offender… Read more »
Commercial Drivers Face Strict DWI Penalties in Minnesota
Minnesota law takes drunk driving very seriously; every state sets their own per se blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level (more commonly called the “legal limit”) for commercial drivers, and in Minnesota it’s 0.04. Commercial drivers face strict DWI penalties that can impact their ability to work and earn a living. For a first offense, a commercial driver transporting non-hazardous… Read more »
Challenging the Breathalyzer Test as a Defense to Minnesota DWI
You have been pulled over by a police officer. The officer suspects you of driving while intoxicated and arrests you. At some point you take a breathalyzer test. The test shows that your blood alcohol level is above .08%, which is the legal limit to drive. This sounds like an open and shut case, but… Read more »
DWI and Minors: What You (and Your Child) Need to Know
At some point in your life, you’ll have read or, at least, heard about a local teenager who was killed as the result of a drunk driving accident. Many times the information included in the report includes a high BAC of the teen driver and most likely everyone riding in the car. It’s an unfortunate… Read more »