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

Minnesota law enforcement makes 2,573 DWI arrests in December

During December, law enforcement agencies all across Minnesota beefed up their enforcement of Minnesota’s laws regarding driving while impaired. Extra patrols were frequently used statewide throughout the holiday season. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety says that 2,573 drivers were arrested on DWI charges during the month of September. A total of 314 law enforcement agencies were involved in the statewide tally.

For local law enforcement agencies, the Minneapolis Police department led the state with 62 DWI arrests. Bloomington and St. Paul Police Departments each reported 52 DWI arrests in December. Most Minnesotans are aware that the legal limit to drive in the state is 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration. However, many may not know that Minnesota law also makes thing tougher for drivers with higher BAC readings under the tough DWI and implied consent laws.

During 2011, Minnesota increased the length of revocation for drivers who are accused of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.16 or more. This blog previously discussed the mandatory one-year license revocation for drivers who are accused of a DWI based upon a 0.16 percent or greater BAC reading.

A DWI license revocation can be challenged in court, but the state only allows a limited amount of time to raise the challenge. It is important to file a challenge or speak to an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney as soon as possible after a DWI arrest.

Criminal DWI charges can also be enhanced with higher blood alcohol levels. The DWI laws consider an alcohol concentration reading of 0.20 percent or greater as an aggravating factor that can increase a DWI charge to a more serious offense.

The Minnesota DPS says that more than 100 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota arrested at least one driver with a blood alcohol level at or above 0.20 percent. Twenty agencies made arrests on claims that a driver had an alcohol reading of 0.30 or more in December, and one agency alleges a driver measured 0.39 percent BAC.

Source: Savage Pacer, “State: 2,573 arrested for DWI in December,” Jan. 11, 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.

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.