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

Judge sentences Hastings man to 5 years for felony drugged driving

A judge has sentenced a Hastings man to five years in state prison on a felony conviction for driving while impaired. Last summer, Minnesota state law addressed so-called “bath salts” in the state’s DWI statutes.

The Hastings man reportedly told law enforcement after a traffic stop near Rosemount that he was under the influence of bath salts and the man was subsequently arrested for felony DWI. News reports now indicate that the man actually tested positive for the presence of cocaine and methamphetamine. Controlled substances have long been covered under Minnesota’s implied consent and DWI statutes.

The nature of the alleged substance, however, is not the basis for the felony charges filed against the Hastings man. DWI offenses in Minnesota can be elevated to the felony level for a number of reasons, including alleged prior DWI convictions.

Minnesota DWI laws look back ten years for prior DWI convictions or other qualified impaired driving incidents, which include prior DWI license revocations. Those prior incidents can be used to enhance a current charge to a felony. Generally, three prior DWI convictions in the past ten years is sufficient for authorities to seek a felony DWI charge, as this blog has previously discussed.

It is important to note that a prior felony DWI conviction is not subject to the general ten-year look back period, and can be used alone to enhance a current allege offense to a felony.

Dakota County prosecutors say the Hastings man had a prior felony DWI conviction from 2005, for which the media says the man was incarcerated for a year. News reports also say that the man had a total of ten prior DWI convictions, but the media generally does not indicate the timing of those prior convictions.

The Hastings man reportedly pled guilty to the felony DWI charge and recently faced sentencing in Dakota County. Prosecutors asked the judge to impose a five-year prison sentence for the conviction and the judge reportedly agreed.

Source: My Fox Twin Cities, “Man Sentenced to 5 Years for 11th DWI,” April 8, 2012

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.