Outstanding Violations In Other States May Affect Minnesota Driving Privileges

The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants drivers with outstanding driving violations in other states to be aware that those violations may affect their Minnesota driving privileges starting October 11, 2011.

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) requires all states to verify that a person applying for a driver’s license or learner’s permit has no unresolved sanctions (suspension, revocation, cancelation or withdrawal of driving privileges) or a history of serious violations in another state.

This mandate prevents drivers from obtaining a license from more than one state or hiding convictions among several states and driving records. The cooperative exchange of problem driver information between states is helping to improve safety on the nation’s highways.

DVS checks with the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) for all class drivers. For commercial drivers, the Social Security Online Verification System (SSOLV), is also checked as required by federal regulations.

HOW THIS AFFECTS MINNESOTA DRIVERS

Beginning October 11, 2011, the application process for a Minnesota driver’s license or learner’s permit will include a series of verification checks to reduce the likelihood of Minnesota issuing a driver’s license or learner’s permit to an ineligible driver.

This applies to applications for a Minnesota driver’s license, applications for a learner’s permit, individuals who want to change the name or address on their Minnesota license and to drivers who are looking to renew, upgrade or add an endorsement to their license.

Drivers who are aware that their driving privilege in another state has been suspended, revoked, canceled or withdrawn are encouraged to resolve the matter before attempting to apply, renew, change or upgrade a Minnesota driver’s license. If the matter is not resolved, a driver will not be allowed to complete the application process to obtain a Minnesota driving credential (commercial or non-commercial) until the sanction in the other state is resolved.

If you are having problems obtaining a license in Minnesota because of violations in another state OR if you are having problems in another state because of old violations that occurred in Minnesota, contact the experienced Criminal Defense and Driver Licensing Attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys TODAY.

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

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.