Early tally in December Minnesota DWI enforcement reaches 823 arrests

This blog recently discussed that law enforcement is increasing its patrols throughout December, seeking to find drunk drivers. The statewide driving while impaired enforcement effort involves nearly 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reportedly helping to coordinate the increased DWI patrols.

Officials say that preliminary reports from roughly 191 Minnesota agencies show that 823 drivers were charged with DWI between Dec. 1 and Dec. 11. Each DWI charge in Minnesota can also have an impact on a person’s driving privilege in the state.

Minnesota’s implied consent law allows the state to revoke a person’s driver’s license after a DWI arrest. The license revocation can be challenged, but the challenge is actually a separate matter from the criminal DWI case.

Many drivers in Minnesota delay bringing a challenge to the implied consent license revocation until after the deadline for perfecting the challenge passes and lose the ability to raise a challenge to the revocation. It is important to speak with an experienced Twin Cities DUI defense and implied consent attorney as soon as possible after a DWI arrest for an assessment and advice about how to proceed in an individual case.

While the preliminary numbers for the December DWI enforcement program include reports from less than half of the agencies participating in the effort, the numbers of DWI arrests are significant. In Minnesota each year, officials say that as many as 30,000 people are charged with a DWI offense. Authorities estimate that one in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on his or her driving record.

As this blog has discussed, a DWI conviction can enhance a subsequent DWI charge for ten years. It is important to note that an implied consent license revocation can also be used for ten years to enhance any potential subsequent DWI charge under Minnesota law.

Source: Northfield News, “State DWI campaign: More than 800 arrested in Minnesota,” Dec. 19, 2011

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

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.