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

Burnsville woman takes felony DWI and drug charges to trial

A Burnsville woman reportedly is taking her Minnesota felony DWI case before a jury in April. Anyone facing DWI charges, whether the accused is facing a first-time misdemeanor offense or the person is charged with a higher level of DWI, has the right to take the state’s case before a jury. The right to a jury trial is but one of many vital constitutional rights that defendants have to protect all of our rights under our system of justice.

The current Dakota County case against the Burnsville woman includes allegations that the woman was driving while impaired. Reports suggest that the woman refused to submit to a blood or urine test on the night of her arrest, which was Dec. 24, 2010.

Police claim that the woman had run through a stop sign, swerved and then stopped in the intersection before continuing forward. A police officer pulled the woman over, apparently for rolling too far into the controlled intersection before stopping.

The officer claims that he could smell marijuana in the car. He also says that he found two prescription bottles, with the labels scratched off, containing oxycodone in the center console. The woman reportedly told the officer she had a prescription for the medication. The woman was arrested and refused to submit to the chemical test.

As this blog has previously discussed, test refusal under Minnesota’s DWI and implied consent laws is itself considered a crime. However, the woman is facing a felony level offense based upon allegations that she has a prior felony DWI conviction on her record, dating from 2005 based upon allegations arising in Inver Grove Heights. As this blog has explained, a Minnesota law allows prosecutors to seek felony DWI charges against a person who has a prior felony DWI conviction on his or her record.

The current felony charges against the woman also include fifth-degree controlled substance crime allegations for alleged unlawful drug possession.

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press, “Burnsville woman convicted in 2005 fatalities is again accused of DWI,” Maricella Miranda, Mar. 14, 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

Handcuffed person sitting behind small bags of illegal drugs. Drug Possession if the Drugs Aren’t Yours

Can You Be Charged With Drug Possession if the Drugs Aren’t Yours in Minnesota?

You can be charged with drug possession if the drugs aren’t yours in Minnesota. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of criminal law. Many people assume that if they did not own or physically hold the drugs, they cannot be charged. In reality, Minnesota law allows prosecutors to pursue charges based on something called constructive possession.
Man on a phone call while using a laptop. Contact the Alleged Victim After Charges

What Happens if You Contact the Alleged Victim After Charges Are Filed in Minnesota?

If you contact the alleged victim after charges are filed in Minnesota, you may be putting your case, your freedom, and your future at risk. Once criminal charges are filed, courts often impose strict no-contact conditions, either through bail conditions, release orders, or protective orders. Violating those conditions can lead to additional criminal charges, even if your intent was harmless.
A young man with bruises posing for a mugshot. Accused of Sharing Intimate Images

Accused of Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent in Minnesota? What to Know

Being accused of sharing intimate images without consent in Minnesota can have consequences that go far beyond the criminal justice system. These cases often involve allegations tied to digital communication, private relationships, and intent, which makes them both legally complex and highly sensitive.