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

Federal agency asks states to require ignition interlocks in all DWI cases

In July 2011, Minnesota’s DWI and implied consent laws were changed for drivers who test 0.16 percent blood alcohol concentration or more. The higher alcohol level essentially extends the length of a license revocation associated with a DWI arrest. For instance, a first time DWI offender who measures 0.16 percent BAC or greater will have his or her driver’s license revoked for a full year. Drivers cannot obtain a work permit under the law, unless the driver agrees to have an ignition interlock device installed.

Ignition interlocks are essentially an in-car breath testing machine. Drivers are required to take a breath test before starting the car. If the machine registers a reading of 0.02 percent or greater, the car will not start.

Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board said that every state in the country should require ignition interlocks in every DWI case, including first-time offenses. The federal officials are urging states to require the devices for any level of a DWI conviction, and without regard for the higher level of alcohol. Officials say that 17 states already require the devices in all DWI cases.

The NTSB is also urging another federal agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to speed up research in technology to disable every car when alcohol is detected on a driver who is trying to start the car. The research involves infrared light technology and is reportedly already being used in some work-related drug testing programs, according to the Associated Press. The NHTSA is working with the automobile industry in researching the use of the infrared technology in automobiles.

The NTSB urged the NHTSA to speed up the research hoping that infrared technology can be incorporated as standard equipment in a car’s ignition system. The NTSB hopes that the technology can be incorporated into an ignition button that will not allow any car to start if the driver exceeds a specified threshold for alcohol.

Currently, individual states have a variety of laws regarding ignition interlock devices at some level, and associated with a DWI arrest or conviction. Federal officials are urging to increase the use of breath testing devices to include all DWI cases, and maybe even in all cars, regardless of whether or not a driver has been accused of DWI.

Source: 13 ABC, “NTSB: Use ignition locks for all drunken drivers,” Associated Press, Dec. 12, 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.