Southern Minnesota man sentenced in DWI case after alleged burrito assault

Not long ago, this blog discussed the issue of probation in Minnesota DWI cases. That entry focused on the trend in Minnesota of jailing people on probation for failing to pay probation fines or fees. However, in many cases, the judges impose terms and conditions at the time of sentencing that can make future violations of the law an issue for people on DWI probation.

A southern Minnesota man recently was charged with domestic assault after he allegedly threw a burrito at a woman. Authorities say that the man was on DWI probation when he was arrested. The man was convicted of gross misdemeanor DWI in July, according to the Albert Lea Tribune. He reportedly admitted having consumed alcohol during the alleged burrito assault investigation.

The man reportedly was re-sentenced to 180 days in jail in the DWI case for the alleged probation violation, according to the Albert Lea Tribune. The man has been formally charged with gross misdemeanor domestic assault on the burrito allegations.

Law enforcement claims that they received a call reporting a domestic dispute in Adams, Minnesota, last week. Adams is southeast of Austin, Minnesota. Adams Police and Mower County deputies responded to the address and claim that they found the woman with burrito toppings on her head and right shoulder. She apparently told law enforcement that the man now accused of domestic violence had become upset when she refused to get him a cigarette.

She claims that the man dumped her plate of food off the bed, and then threw her burrito at her. The burrito reportedly landed on the woman. Sheriff’s deputies arrested the man for domestic assault, which led also to the difficulties in the DWI probation case, according to the Albert Lea Tribune.

Source: Albert Lea Tribune, “Minnesota man charged with burrito assault,” July 27, 2012

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

People facing drug crime charges who were victims of unlawful search or seizure may wonder, “What role does search and seizure law play in drug cases?” Under the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure law protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officers. The Minnesota constitution provides similar protections.
One question that may linger on your mind upon discovering you are under drug crime investigation is: “What should I do if I’m arrested on drug charges?” The first thing you should do if you’re arrested on drug charges in Minneapolis is stay calm and cooperative. Then, document the arrest while the event is still fresh in your mind. Next, hire a lawyer who has built a successful practice around helping criminal defendants facing drug related charges.
If you are facing a sex crime charge or suspect the police are investigating you, you might wonder: “Can I be charged with a sex crime if the other party consents?” While you might have consensual sex with someone, sex crime charges can still be filed against you in Minnesota. Legal concerns, such as the complainant’s age, mental capacity, and legal authority, are usually considered during court proceedings for sex crime cases. All those issues can impact your case.