Police in Lakeville accuse man of DWI on power scooter

Most people accused of driving while impaired in Minnesota are accused of driving drunk in a traditional motor vehicle. But, as followers of this blog recognize, Minnesota’s DWI laws are interpreted broadly in many cases. Many Minnesotans may remember a story about a DWI in a motorized reclining chair that made headlines years ago.

Others may have read our story where the courts found that a Segway is not a vehicle for the purposes of the DWI statute. We have also discussed snowmobiling cases, boating while impaired stories, DWIs involving ATVs to name a few.

Police accuse a man of driving drunk on a motorized scooter in Lakeville, Minnesota. Authorities say that someone called police to report that someone ran into a parked car Monday while riding the gas-powered scooter. Details about the machine have not been revealed in a recent story carries by WCCO.

Police apparently responded to the scooter accident report and located a 46-year-old man. Officers claim that the man was swaying when law enforcement made contact with him. It is not clear where that contact was made, or if any scooter was present. Nonetheless, police believed that the man was intoxicated and opened a DWI investigation.

Officials claim that the man admitted to having consumed a couple of drinks-a vodka and Mountain Dew mix. But authorities say that the man denied that he was riding the scooter. The man was arrested on suspicion of DWI-authorities claim that the man blew 0.19 percent blood alcohol content in a DWI alcohol test.

However, the man reportedly has prior DWIs on his record. CBS Minnesota reports that the man has four DWI or license revocations within the past 10 years. A prior DWI conviction, or a prior implied consent loss of license, may be used to enhance a new DWI charge to a higher level of offense. The man reportedly is facing two counts of first-degree DWI-a first-degree offense is a felony.

Source: WCCO CBS Minnesota, “Man Charged With Driving Scooter Into Parked Car While Drunk,” April 11, 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

How a DWI Affects CDL Holders in Minnesota

Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.

How a DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers in Minnesota

Knowing how a DWI affects rideshare drivers in Minnesota allows you to take the right steps to protect your license and livelihood. A DWI conviction will lead to suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Once you lose your license, you will be ineligible for a work permit required to work for rideshare companies as a driver. You may also face jail time, fines, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation, depending on the seriousness and number of related offenses on your record.

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Minnesota?

People under criminal investigation or whose phones have been seized by law enforcement officers may ask, “Can police search your phone without a warrant in Minnesota?” It’s illegal for police to search your phone without a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement. These exceptions include when you consent to the search, someone’s life is in danger, or there is an immediate risk of evidence destruction.