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A DWI charge in Minnesota carries with it many potential consequences. These include jail time, fines, and revocation or suspension of a driver’s license. The severity of the consequences depends on the driver’s prior record, if any, and the particular facts of the current charge.
It certainly has been an unusual year in terms of weather in Minnesota. The recent precipitation has provided many parts of the state with at least a dusting of snow, or more. It is important for Minnesotans to remember that Minnesota’s laws prohibiting driving while impaired extend beyond allegations involving cars, SUVs and other traditional vehicles.
In the last post, this blog began a discussion of high court rulings at the federal and state levels concerning whether a warrant is necessary under the Constitution to draw blood during a driving while impaired investigation.
Many of the stories on this blog directly involve issues that directly arise under Minnesota’s implied consent and driving while impaired laws. However, Minnesota criminal defense attorneys know that violations of rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution can arise in DWI cases all across the country.
During December, law enforcement agencies all across Minnesota beefed up their enforcement of Minnesota’s laws regarding driving while impaired. Extra patrols were frequently used statewide throughout the holiday season. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety says that 2,573 drivers were arrested on DWI charges during the month of September. A total of 314 law enforcement agencies were involved in the statewide tally.
Minnesota’s implied consent and driving while impaired laws are a complex jigsaw puzzle that allows prosecutors to use a variety of aggravating factors to enhance a Minnesota DWI charge. However, prosecutors often tack on other allegations to bring additional charges after a suspected DWI investigation.
The Minnesota Department of public safety says that during the first ten days of the state’s December enforcement campaign targeting driving while impaired, multiple Minnesota law enforcement agencies have arrested drivers on DWI allegations that include blood alcohol levels of 0.30 percent or greater.
This blog recently discussed that law enforcement is increasing its patrols throughout December, seeking to find drunk drivers. The statewide driving while impaired enforcement effort involves nearly 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reportedly helping to coordinate the increased DWI patrols.
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