May 27, 2014

Minnesota Police Continue Crackdown on Drunk Driving

With the unofficial start of summer underway, Minnesota state police are sure to be out in full force to crackdown on drunk driving. In fact, the police crackdown on drunk driving in Minnesota was ramped up just a few weeks ago with Minnesota’s fishing opener earlier this month.

In advance of the fishing opening, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Minnesota State Patrol reminded Minnesota residents that squads would be out in force in 25 Minnesota counties with the highest number of drunk driving deaths and alcohol-related injuries over the past three years. While this was only a one-day enhancement in enforcement, police are sure to continue to be on the lookout for drunk drivers in the upcoming months as more people are drinking at summer parties, barbeques, festivals, and other summer recreational events.

Each year, nearly 28,000 people are arrested for DWI, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and one in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on his or her record.

A drunk driving conviction can have a significant impact on a person’s life, with penalties of license suspension for up to a year, hefty fines, and even possible jail time. Repeat DWI offenders, along with first-time offenders who have a BAC of 0.16 or higher, must use ignition interlock in order to regain driving privileges or face a loss of driving privileges for at least a year.

Drivers are reminded not to get behind the wheel of they have been drinking, not only for their own protection but for the well-being of other motorists, as well, since approximately 35 percent of all traffic deaths are alcohol-related. Moreover, not only is drunk driving against the law, but boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law as well.

According to this article, the most dangerous DWI counties in Minnesota are the following: Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, St. Louis, Dakota, Washington, Olmstead, Otter Tail, Stearns, and Wright.

Table of Contents

Contact a Minnesota Drunk Driving Lawyer

The criminal defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys remind people not to get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. If you are facing DWI charges Minneapolis, we have the experience you need to defend you against the charges, protect your legal rights, and minimize the potential DWI penalties. We are familiar with a number of specific issues pertaining to Minnesota DWI charges, including ignition interlock, license plate impoundment, vehicle forfeiture and job loss due to DWI. Moreover, Max Keller has significant legal experience as a former prosecutor in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office, which gives him with the skill and knowledge necessary to provide you with the legal defense that you need.

If you are facing DWI charges, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis DWI defense lawyers.

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

Aug: 30, 2024

Do Juvenile Crimes Impact College Admissions?

Students with juvenile convictions in their records and intending to apply for college may wonder, “Do juvenile crimes impact college admissions?” A juvenile crime in Minnesota can lower the odds of your child’s college application getting approved. A conviction of a serious juvenile crime may result in an automatic rejection of college applications. A minor with a criminal record may be disqualified from accessing student loans or grants.

Aug: 30, 2024

What Is the Post-Conviction Process, and How Long Does It Take?

Defendants convicted of a crime may ask, “What is the post-conviction process, and how long does it take?” A petition for post-conviction relief allows you to contest the legality of a criminal conviction or sentence following an unsuccessful direct appeal process or passing the appeal deadline. This petition involves legal issues not addressed at trial or direct appeal. These issues include a constitutional rights violation, newly discovered evidence, and inadequate or ineffective lawyer representation.

Aug: 30, 2024

How Long Does the Sentencing Phase Take?

Knowing how long the sentencing phase takes in Minneapolis, MN, can help you ease worries and work towards receiving a fair sentence. The sentencing phase of the criminal justice process usually takes only minutes, especially when the judge approves the sentence negotiated in a plea bargain. Sentencing can sometimes be lengthy, particularly when you get convicted at trial, and the judge schedules a hearing to a later date to decide on appropriate legal penalties. The nature and seriousness of the criminal conviction, whether your sentence is negotiated or determined by a judge, and continuance motions are some factors that may affect the length of the sentencing phase.