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

Thanksgiving travel and increased DWI enforcement in Minnesota

The Thanksgiving holiday always is associated with family gatherings. It is one of the most traveled holidays of the year. People all across Minnesota hit the roads to spend time with family and friends. With the increase in traffic, comes an increase in law enforcement on Minnesota roads. Local law enforcement and state troopers statewide can be expected to be out in full force throughout the holiday weekend.

Sources indicate that between 2008 and 2010, 1,834 drivers were arrested for driving while impaired during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday each year. While state troopers and local police agencies can be expected to be on the road to enforce the tough Minnesota DWI laws throughout the weekend, law enforcement agencies will also be focusing on other types of traffic violations, including enforcing the state seat belt use law.

All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt when traveling on Minnesota roads. Law enforcement will be on the lookout this holiday weekend for seat belt and child restraint violations statewide. A spokesman for the Minnesota State Patrol says, “Enforcing seat belt laws and arresting impaired drivers are preventive measures we take to ensure safety on Minnesota roads.”

Minnesota receives federal funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that is used to help fund DWI enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday. Law enforcement uses “saturation patrols,” where extra patrol cars join together in a specific area, during holiday periods to look for alleged traffic violations and potential DWI offenses. This year’s enforcement effort is part of the state’s Toward Zero Traffic Deaths safety program on Minnesota roads.

Minneapolis and St. Paul DWI defense attorneys caution drivers to drive safely through the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities with family and friends.

Source: Brainerd Dispatch, “Guest Column: Thanksgiving can be deadly,” Sgt. Curt S. Mowers, Nov 18, 2011

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.