Minnesota mayor receives reduced drunk driving sentence, keeps job

A Minnesota mayor recently received a reduced sentence from 60 days in jail to three days of community service, following an arrest for drunk driving. The man struck two cars while driving in the Minneapolis metro area on Interstate 394 before being stopped by police. Having avoided incarceration the mayor should be able to continue to perform his duties, and according to a report in the Star Tribune does not intend to step down.

The mayor was also fined $100.00 for having an open alcoholic beverage at the time, a bottle of vodka. The drug test on the scene registered him as having a blood alcohol level of 0.24 but the official test while he was in custody showed a level of 0.12. The legal blood alcohol limit in Minnesota is 0.08.

When asked to explain his behavior, the Minnesota mayor cited various severe problems that had occurred in his life, including several deaths in his family (including two murders) and an upcoming business trip that was causing an elevated level of stress and concern.

The judge hearing the case remarked that she sees a great deal of first time drunk drivers in her court only once – most are too scared or embarrassed to attempt to drive intoxicated again, explaining her reduced sentence.

Many arrested for drunk driving are not repeat offenders who have been arrested and brought into a court room before, rather it is often the first serious interaction with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. It is important to clearly understand your rights, the charges against you, and the potential consequences that can go beyond just the sentence from the court.

Source: Star Tribune “Mankato mayor avoids jail time” Abby Simons, April 5, 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

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. 

Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct at a Minnesota College? What You Need to Know

You will go through a disciplinary hearing if you have been accused of criminal sexual conduct at a Minnesota college. The college disciplinary board will conduct the hearing under Title IX law. This federal law requires learning institutions to investigate and resolve student sexual misconduct separately from concurrent or related criminal proceedings. The college administration will punish you appropriately if the hearing determines that you contravened the sexual consent policies under the college’s Code of Conduct. The punishment can range from suspension and college-imposed probationary period to expulsion and compulsory sexual education classes.

Busted at a Music Festival? What Happens If You’re Caught With Club Drugs in Minnesota

One question you may ask when planning to attend an upcoming music festival is: What happens if I’m caught with club drugs in Minnesota? The legal consequences of getting busted with drugs at a music festival include an arrest, criminal charges, a fine, and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, a drug crime charge or conviction can lower your chances of securing employment, housing, and student loans. It may also strain your relationships with family, friends, and society.