This New Minnesota DWI Law Might Surprise You

A new DWI law in Minnesota makes it a crime to operate an ATV or snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The recent death of an 8-year-old boy killed by a drunk driver on a snowmobile prompted Minnesota lawmakers to impose the steeper penalties for impaired ATV and snowmobile drivers.

Drunk Driving Laws Now Include Recreational Vehicles

Minnesota lawmakers have passed legislation that makes drunk driving on ATVs and snowmobiles an offense. Currently, a loophole in the law allows impaired drivers or those with a prior DWI conviction to operate an ATV or snowmobile. New DWI laws will allow convictions for drunk driving whether drivers are on roads and highways, water, snow, or open trails. The legislation will also prevent anyone convicted of a drunk driving offense from operating a car, ATV or snowmobile. Driving privileges for an ATV or snowmobile will be revoked for one year.

New DWI laws were prompted by the death of a young boy killed in a snowmobile crash. The boy was hit by a drunk driver on a snowmobile while ice fishing with his parents on a Chisago County lake in January. The 45-year-old snowmobile driver was inebriated and traveling at a high rate of speed when he slammed into the 8-year-old boy and his dad. The boy was rushed to a hospital in St. Paul in critical condition, where he died five days later from severe head trauma. An investigation into the snowmobile driver’s background showed that he had a history of drunk driving, and his driver’s license had previously been revoked three times for alcohol-related incidents. He was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation.

The new DWI law has the full support of Minnesota law enforcement, as well as the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association and The Department of Natural Resources. They point out that outdoor recreational vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles are heavy machines capable of traveling at dangerously fast speeds and causing serious injuries and fatalities. In the event of a crash, they pose a high risk of serious injuries to accident victims including fractures and broken bones, permanent disfigurement, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and death. Accident statistics show that a large percentage of ATV and snowmobile crashes involve drunk drivers who are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, reckless driving, and negligent behavior.

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

You might need to know the long-term impacts of a 3rd degree DWI if you have been arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) in Minneapolis, MN. A 3rd-degree DWI conviction can affect you personally, professionally, socially, and financially. A DWI conviction carries consequences, such as paying huge fines, loss of income, paying higher insurance premiums, strained relationships, and reputation damage. Your driver’s and professional license may be suspended or revoked after you are charged or convicted of a DWI. You may also face a civil lawsuit, which costs you money in the form of financial compensation to the accident victim.
One of the questions that people facing sex crime charges in Minnesota ask is: Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted? You will most likely be required to register as a sex offender if convicted of a sex crime. Factors that determine sex offender registration include the nature and severity of the offense, aggravating factors, civil commitment, and risk level. You must register as a sex offender if you are relocating to Minnesota for school, work, or to live and have been convicted of sex crimes elsewhere.
People facing drug crime charges who were victims of unlawful search or seizure may wonder, “What role does search and seizure law play in drug cases?” Under the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure law protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officers. The Minnesota constitution provides similar protections.