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In Minnesota, officials take drunk driving seriously. Sure, every suspect should be provided certain protections when it comes to their rights, but overall, the system is out to charge and convict people of drunk driving when it can. No matter what the situation, a person accused of DWI should always be vigilant to get out of their case with the best possible outcome.
During the month of December, the holidays are upon us. It is not uncommon for there to be holiday parties with holiday drinks. Along with the holiday festivities, however, comes an increased presence of law enforcement on Minnesota streets. It is important to never forget that a person has invaluable rights to protect himself from the personal and professional damage of a drunk driving charge.
According to a Minnesota report, it was supposed to be a happy pre-wedding party celebration. It certainly seemed to be an uplifting, festive idea: a deck-boat ride for the groom-to-be and some of his wedding guests on a summer night on Wisconsin’s Chippewa River. Unfortunately, last Friday’s celebration was cut short due to a sudden head-on collision with a speedboat that was traveling too fast that night. The deck boat was speeding too, it was later revealed.
This week, in a repeat DWI case, DWI Defense Attorney Max A. Keller of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys secured another legal victory in a fourth offense repeat DWI case in Dakota County. Mr. Keller’s client was charged with Driving after Cancellation as Inimical to Public Safety (DAC-IPS) which happens when a driver’s license is cancelled for too many DWI’s, as well as fourth degree DWI and driving in violation of a restricted license (B-card violation).
In the United States, the protection of citizen’s rights in the legal process is invaluable. We are given the benefit of the doubt that we are innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, we are provided a multitude of rights that protect us from being treated as “criminals.”
As we discussed in our previous post, using an ignition interlock device can now help those who are convicted of drunk driving in Minnesota avoid having their licenses revoked. These devices have been available in Minnesota under a pilot program since 2009. 1,900 people are currently using them. Of that number, only four people have been charged with DWI since the ignition interlock device was installed.
As of July 1 in Minnesota, there is a new illegal drug in the state. It’s a synthetic drug, sold as “bath salts” that mimics the physical effects of other already illegal drugs such as marijuana and LSD. The substance has been outlawed in Minnesota and throughout the county because of the reported dangers it poses to users.
Drunk driving is about more than criminal charges. There is usually a family behind the DWI defendant, whose safety and future depends on their loved one’s actions and consequences. A recent St. Paul incident exemplifies that truth.