A Minnetonka man was reportedly pulled over in Hopkins recently for allegedly rolling through a stop. The officer says that he blew the air horn on his patrol car several times before the 25-year-old driver pulled over. The officer conducting the stop says that at some point during the traffic stop, the Minnetonka man admitted having “a few” drinks. Ultimately, the officer arrested the Minnetonka man on suspicion of driving while impaired.
Prosecutors have filed formal felony DWI charges against the Minnetonka man. Authorities claim that he has at least two prior DUI convictions from Nebraska within the past ten years. Prosecutors also claim that the Minnetonka man has a prior implied consent type loss of license from an alleged drunk driving incident in Iowa.
Generally, Minnesota law allows prosecutors to seek felony DWI charges based upon a variety of different circumstances, which include prior three or more DWI convictions or other qualified prior impaired driving incidents.
Any felony level DWI offense can bring serious consequences, both direct and administratively. Civil issues involving a driver’s privilege to drive and what is known in Minnesota as a “vehicle forfeiture” can complicate the overall consequences of a felony DWI charge.
In addition to the associated civil issues, obviously a felony DWI conviction can bring its own harsh and direct consequences in the felony criminal case. It is important for anyone accused of DWI to speak with an experienced Minneapolis DWI defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest. Moreover, when allegations of out-of-state offenses are being used to enhance a DWI charge in Minnesota, the issues can become even more complex and it is vital to speak with legal representation to help protect your rights.
Source: Hopkins Patch, “Hopkins Police Bust Man for Fourth Suspected DUI,” James Warden, May 18, 2012