Southern Minnesota man sentenced for felony DWI on motorized bike

An Austin, Minnesota man was sentenced earlier this month on a felony driving while impaired conviction involving allegations that the man had been driving drunk on a motorized bicycle. Mower County, Minnesota officials claim that the 44-year-old was riding the motorized scooter without any headlights around 2:00 in the morning on July 31. An Austin police officer observed the man run a stop sign and travel on the wrong side of the road before the cop pulled him over, according to the criminal complaint.

Twin Cities area readers may understand that new Minnesota DWI charges may be enhanced based upon a driver’s prior DWI record, or based upon a combination of three or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents within 10 years. A prior felony DWI conviction, or prior criminal vehicular homicide or operation conviction –regardless of the age of the conviction–may also be used to enhance a new DWI charge to a felony level offense.

Law enforcement in Southern Minnesota say that after the Austin man was pulled over on his motorized bike, he measured 0.20 percent alcohol content in a DWI alcohol test. Authorities say that the man had been convicted of felony DWI in 2004 in Houston County, Minnesota. Based upon that prior record, the man was charged with two counts of felony DWI after his July 31 arrest.

The 44-year-old reportedly pled guilty to one count of felony DWI under a plea agreement. A first-degree DWI charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 7 years in state prison upon conviction, and-or a potential fine of up to $14,000. The man was sentenced to seven year’s probation and fined $500 for the felony DWI conviction. The man will also be required to serve 30 days on electronic home monitoring under the sentencing order.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, “Conviction sticks for DWI on motor scooter,” Matt Peterson, April 15, 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.