Minnesota PD Ramped-Up DWI Patrols on Labor Day

Minnesota state patrol collaborated with law enforcement agencies to increase DWI surveillance and enforcement during the Labor Day weekend in 2021. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) mobilized officers from over 300 agencies to work overtime during the holiday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding to cover public education and intensified DWI enforcement.

Dangerous Weekend

It is normal for law enforcement agencies to escalate DWI patrols during the summer months because they are the most dangerous months for road users in the state. Data from the DPS indicates that 127 people died in drunk driving crashes during the summer months in the period 2014 to 2018. The number of people arrested during Labor Day weekend those years ranged from 400 to 500. Labor Day is the third most dangerous holiday in Minnesota after the Fourth of July and Halloween.

DWI Charges

Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense in Minnesota and attracts sanctions such as suspended licenses and jail time for some offenders. First-time offenders with a BAC of above 0.16 and repeat offenders must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles to regain driving privileges. Third and fourth-degree offenders must use interlock devices for three to six years according to the terms of their sanctions.

Public Education

The initiative’s stated goal was to help drivers make smart decisions on the road and keep roads safe for all users. The DPS has intensified public education, urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions. They advise road users to ensure they are sober before taking the wheel to avoid making decisions while impaired. The law enforcement agencies warn that one wrong decision can lead to a lifetime of regret.

Surge in DWIs

DUI numbers trended downwards at the height of the pandemic, but the figure has since spiked as businesses resume and more people hit the roads. For example, July 2020 had over 2000 impaired driving arrests, which is close to the historical average. The DPS was correct in expecting DWI incidents in 2021 to be worse than last year as there has been a general trend throughout the state of people expressing their frustration with the pandemic by partying hard. According to reports, law enforcement arrested 373 drivers for DWI over the holiday weekend. On average, there are 280 DWI arrests in Minnesota during a non-holiday weekend.

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

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. 

Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct at a Minnesota College? What You Need to Know

You will go through a disciplinary hearing if you have been accused of criminal sexual conduct at a Minnesota college. The college disciplinary board will conduct the hearing under Title IX law. This federal law requires learning institutions to investigate and resolve student sexual misconduct separately from concurrent or related criminal proceedings. The college administration will punish you appropriately if the hearing determines that you contravened the sexual consent policies under the college’s Code of Conduct. The punishment can range from suspension and college-imposed probationary period to expulsion and compulsory sexual education classes.

Busted at a Music Festival? What Happens If You’re Caught With Club Drugs in Minnesota

One question you may ask when planning to attend an upcoming music festival is: What happens if I’m caught with club drugs in Minnesota? The legal consequences of getting busted with drugs at a music festival include an arrest, criminal charges, a fine, and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, a drug crime charge or conviction can lower your chances of securing employment, housing, and student loans. It may also strain your relationships with family, friends, and society.