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, barbecues, 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 if 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.
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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 in 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.
