NTSB recommends 0.05 percent for state DWI charges, P. 1

Earlier this month the National Transportation Safety Board made a recommendation that states should lower the legal limit to drive to 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration. Readers of this blog may understand that Minnesota law currently sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent–that is the point at which the law presumes impairment of any driver, regardless of other factors. Generally, Minnesota’s DWI laws allow authorities to seek DWI charges based upon alleged evidence of impairment without the alcohol test, but many cases involve multiple charges as prosecutors hope to cover their bases.

We have also discussed issues surrounding the accuracy and reliability of alcohol testing as DWI defense lawyers have raised issues challenging the science of alcohol testing methods. Many commentators say that lowering the threshold for DWI charges to 0.05 percent may not do much to curb alcohol related crashes, while increasing the number of DWI cases filed against drivers who may not be impaired by the lower threshold.

One group known for its advocacy for making drunk driving laws stronger, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, reportedly is not fully endorsing the NTSB recommendation. MADD officials reportedly prefer to focus on such ideas as greater use of ignition interlocks, high visibility law enforcement procedures and technological changes to vehicles to prevent drunk driving (which seems to overlap the ignition interlock idea).

DWI charges can carry significant penalties, even for a first-time offense under Minnesota law. Our laws up the ante further for second and subsequent DWI offenses. Lowering the threshold will undoubtedly expose a greater number of drivers to criminal consequences based upon the theory of presumed impairment should such a recommendation ever be enacted in Minnesota. Later this week we will continue discussing the recent NTSB recommendation.

Source: Tampa Tribune, “Attorneys warn against lower DUI threshold,” Ray Reyes, May 26, 2013; USA Today, “Make DUI limit 0.05% blood-alcohol level, NTSB says,” Bart Jansen, May 14, 2013

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

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

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.