Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

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 image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.