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

Police to Ramp Up DWI Patrols in Hennepin, Ramsey Counties

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has revealed plans to increase DWI patrols in the 15 counties with the highest number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities. The targeted counties include Ramsey and Hennepin, which are at the top of the list.

Targeting High Incidence Counties

Drunk driving is a major problem in Minnesota, resulting in accidents, debilitating injuries, and deaths. The DPS asserts that it would be in the best interests of the public to focus on the problem counties. This decision makes sense in light of the fact that 15 counties have the highest concentration of DWI incidences.

Damning Track Record

The DPS notes that in the period 2014 to 2018, over half of all the drunk driving-related fatalities happened in 15 out of the 87 counties in the state. Similarly, 982 of the 1,657 alcohol-related crashes in the state occurred in the 15 counties. The 15 states also account for 281 of the 540-drunk driving-related fatalities that occurred in the same period.

To put the statistics into perspective, the 15 counties account for 52% of the drunk driving fatalities that occurred in the period yet they comprise 17% of all the counties in Minnesota. The DPS will intensify patrols in these counties through September to reduce the number of drunk driving incidences.

Most of the counties with high cases of drunk driving are located in metro areas. Hennepin and Ramsey counties top the list and will experience intense patrols to rid the roads of drunk drivers. Residents of the two counties and outsiders who use roads on these counties need to take extra caution when taking the wheel.

Road Users Should Avoid DWI

Drivers should always ensure they are sober while driving in any of the 15 counties. On average, a first-time conviction for DUI costs around $10,000. There is also a risk that driving under the influence will cause serious injuries or even death to other road users.

To be on the safe side, people planning to party in the two counties should have a designated driver or hire a cab or a ride-sharing service. They can also use public transportation or stay at the venue until they are sober.

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.

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

Cinematic Court of Law and Justice Trial Proceedings. Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea

The Surprising Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea in Minnesota

Defendants in Minnesota may plead guilty or accept deals without understanding the hidden cost of a guilty criminal plea. A guilty criminal plea, regardless of how appealing it appears, can leave you dealing with substantial lifelong consequences. You may skip lengthy trial proceedings and likely get a lenient sentence, but end up with a criminal record. The record can lead to various financial and collateral consequences, including difficulty in securing employment, loss of housing rights, license revocation, and immigration issues.
Court of Justice Trial. Pre-Trial Motions Hearing

What You Can Expect at a Pre-Trial Motions Hearing in Minnesota

The pre-trial motions hearing is a court session you attend after your first arraignment. At the hearing, the prosecution and defense appear before a judge to clear several details about the case before trial. These details include pre-trial motions, evidentiary queries, and constitutional matters.
Man in handcuffs. Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest

Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?

Highly publicized incidents of police using excessive force over the past few years have led to people wondering, “What’s the difference between refusing arrest vs. resisting arrest?” Resisting arrest in Minnesota occurs when you use force to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest. Refusing an arrest, on the other hand, involves statements or actions that show reluctance to cooperate with an officer’s instructions without using force.