Golden Valley man pulled over for speeding faces DWI and drug charges

A Minnesota State trooper says that he clocked a car driving six miles over the speed limit on 394 near Penn Avenue November 26. The driver reportedly took the Penn Avenue North exit, but the trooper claims that the driver failed to use a turn signal before exiting the freeway. The alleged minor traffic infractions pale in comparison to the gross misdemeanor DWI and the felony drug charges that the driver now faces after the so-called routine traffic stop.

The trooper claims that he could smell alcohol during the stop. Bloodshot, watery eyes reportedly also were among the trooper’s alleged observations. The trooper says that the driver did poorly on field sobriety tests and the 55-year-old Golden Valley, Minnesota man was arrested on suspicion of DWI. Hennepin County authorities have charged the man with a gross misdemeanor DWI charge.

However, while at the Hennepin County Jail, prosecutors claim that the Golden Valley man emptied his pockets as he was being checked into the jail. As he turned over his personal belongings during the booking process, authorities claim that the man pulled out a plastic bag containing 0.15 grams of crack cocaine. Hennepin County officials charged the man with fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance.

The drug charge carries a maximum statutory sentence of up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $3,000 fine. The Golden Valley man was later released on $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Hennepin County District Court in late January.

Source: Golden Valley Patch, “Golden Valley Man, 55, Charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine,” Betsy Sundquist, Dec. 11, 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

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

Understanding Solicitation and Enticement Laws in Minnesota

Recently, a sex sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, led to the arrest of at least 14 men, including former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn. The operation involved undercover officers posing as minors online, engaging with individuals who sought to solicit sexual conduct.