Court: DWI charge is more serious than underage drinking and driving

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A recent unpublished decision of the Minnesota Court of Appeals held that a 17-year-old who took her DWI charges to trial should have had the DWI conviction entered instead of the underage drinking and driving conviction. The trial court had ruled that the underage drinking and driving charge better represented the facts underlying the jury verdicts, but the appellate court ruled that the defendant should have been adjudicated on the more serious misdemeanor conviction.

The case involves a 17-year-old driver who was arrested on suspicion of DWI in Sherburne County July 31, 2010. Police had claimed that later alcohol chemical tests showed that the young woman had an alcohol level reading of 0.08 percent, right at the state legal limit. She was charged with a variety of offenses including two counts of fourth degree DWI. Later, prosecutors added a separate count of misdemeanor underage drinking and driving.

The case went to trial before a jury, and the jury found the accused guilty of the DWI charges, as well as the lower standard underage drinking and driving charge. The jury acquitted the defendant of a charge of giving a false name and birth date to the police officer.

The judge entered a conviction on the underage drinking charge and dismissed the two counts of DWI and the prosecutors appealed that ruling. A three judge appellate panel ruled last week that the trial judge erred and ordered that the court convict the young driver of DWI.

Fourth degree DWI charges allow for up to two years of probation, upon a DWI conviction. The underage drinking and driving charge was limited under state law to a one year probation period, and the appellate panel concluded that the defendant should have been convicted and sentenced on the most severe jury verdict, which is the norm under state law.

Source: Minnesota Court of Appeals, “State v. A.V., A11-869,” March 26, 2012

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.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
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

How a DWI Affects CDL Holders in Minnesota

Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.

How a DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers in Minnesota

Knowing how a DWI affects rideshare drivers in Minnesota allows you to take the right steps to protect your license and livelihood. A DWI conviction will lead to suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Once you lose your license, you will be ineligible for a work permit required to work for rideshare companies as a driver. You may also face jail time, fines, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation, depending on the seriousness and number of related offenses on your record.

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Minnesota?

People under criminal investigation or whose phones have been seized by law enforcement officers may ask, “Can police search your phone without a warrant in Minnesota?” It’s illegal for police to search your phone without a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement. These exceptions include when you consent to the search, someone’s life is in danger, or there is an immediate risk of evidence destruction.