Category: Juvenile Crimes

A recent informal survey taken at the University of Minnesota indicates that many students at the U may believe that drinking and riding a bicycle could lead to driving while impaired charges in Minnesota. Generally, the Minnesota DWI statutes do not apply to a bicycle, if the bike is powered solely by a human being.
Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired for all drivers. Most Minnesotans understand that the state presumes impairment if a blood, breath or urine test reveals an alcohol level of 0.08 percent or greater. Generally, prosecutors can seek DWI charges based upon other evidence of impairment, such as an arresting officer’s observations or testimony from other witnesses that the state believes shows impairment.
A 20-year-old Andover woman was charged in late January with several crimes after she called police to report a potential theft. Hopkins police say that an officer went to an establishment in Hopkins to investigate the alleged theft. The officer arrived at the Wild Boar shortly after 2:00 in the morning.
The Star Tribune today updated an underage drinking story we recently blogged on. Apparently, as we earlier reported, teenagers have been taking the classic candy Gummi Bears and soaking them in Vodka or other alcohol in order to get drunk surreptitiously or “under the radar.” Many prosecutors and police are now warning teachers and other to be on the lookout for kids getting drunk by eating vodka-infused Gummy Bears or other similar candy.
A lot of people make mistakes when they are teenagers. Some of these mistakes may even lead to criminal charges for juveniles. While it might seem like a minor issue at the time, a conviction in one of these matters could lead to life-long complications. A recent Minnesota Supreme Court case highlights the problems that have resulted due to having a criminal record as a juvenile.
Minnesota students are working with state lawmakers on a measure that would provide immunity to underage drinkers who report a medical emergency, in specified circumstances. Many college students say that teens and 20-year-olds feel reluctant to report a medical emergency if people have been drinking due to the prospect of prosecution for an alcohol offense.
Most young Minnesotans know that the law generally prohibits people under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. But cities and counties across the state have considered, or passed, social host ordinances that apply in the scattered cities or counties across the state. The local laws generally allow authorities to cite people who knowingly allow underage drinking at a party.
For one demographic in Hennepin County, the need for criminal defense has decreased thanks to police patrols and community coaches. Juvenile crime in Minneapolis and Hennepin County has decreased by 40 percent over the last five years and community coaches have played a major role in the decline.