Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

U of M Cracking Down on Underage Drinking, DWI and Alcohol Offenses

The school year has obviously begun. Around college campuses, law enforcement agencies around the country typically keep a close eye near a campus-looking for evidence of alcohol-related offenses. This year, TCF stadium began selling alcohol during Gopher football games. When the stadium first opened, police received grants to step up alcohol enforcement laws near the stadium.

The practice of cracking down on alcohol-related offenses near the U of M campus continues this school year. Recently, several law enforcement agencies sent officers to the campus to make a visible presence near the U. Officers were not only looking for visibility, but also to enforce Minnesota laws prohibiting underage drinking, driving while impaired and other types of offenses.

Officials say that during the last school year U of M police issued more than 300 tickets for alleged underage drinking offenses. Campus police charged 40 people last year with DWI offenses. During a weekend crackdown earlier this school year, U of M police cited five people for alcohol related offenses, three more for underage drinking and two drivers for DWI.

A deputy chief with the U of M police recently told WCCO -TV news that law enforcement wants to make its presence known early in the school year. He says it is about setting expectations for students early on to set the tone of how police will enforce underage drinking and DWI laws on and near the campus.

Minneapolis-St. Paul DWI defense lawyers know that DWI charges and underage alcohol offenses can impact a student’s criminal record for years to come. It is important for students who are accused of a crime to consider seeking the advice of legal counsel to learn what defenses may be available to the state’s allegations.

Source: WCCO-TV 4 News, “Big Crackdown On Underage Drinking At The ‘U’,” Liz Collin, Sep. 13, 2012

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.