Texting and driving is a serious traffic violation in Minnesota. The state patrol announced that they will be using unmarked cars to try and target distracted drivers. The state patrol will be putting unmarked cars in Brainerd, Marshall, Mankato, and the east and west twin cities metro. Distracted drivers can lead to death and injuries on the road. In the past three months there has been two crashes that have led to two deaths in Minnesota. Last April, the state patrol did another crackdown and cited 900 vehicles. The citations included distracted driving for earing peanuts, doing a math problem, having no hands on the wheels, using the radio, and reading. Remember to keep your eyes on the road and refrain from using your phone to avoid injuring someone and to avoid a traffic citation!
Minnesota Statute 129.475 prohibits the use of any wireless communication to compose, read, or send an electronic message when the car is in motion or a part of traffic. Being stopped at a stop sign or red light is still considered to be part of traffic. Some exceptions apply: solely in a voice-activated or other hands free mode, making a cellular phone call, obtaining emergency assistance to report an accident or emergency or traffic hazard, to avoid a crime from being committed, if its reasonable to believe that a person’s life in in immediate dancer, and if the car/driver is an authorized emergency car while performing official duties.
If you have been charged with texting and driving or any other traffic violation, contact a criminal attorney in Minneapolis. A criminal attorney in Minneapolis will be able to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor or take your case to trial. Texting and driving charges can also lead to higher insurance rates. Often times, individuals retain an attorney to handle texting and driving tickets. Keller Law Offices offers a free consultation. There are two criminal attorneys who practice in Minneapolis, MN. Contact 952-913-1421 as soon as you receive a citation. Do not make any statements to the state patrol officers once you get pulled over. Any admissions as to whether you were using your phone will be used against you. It is possible to keep the traffic citation from ever going on your permanent record. Contact the Keller Law Offices to determine if any of the exceptions apply to your citation. Cell phone records may also be used in traffic citation cases.
In the next few weeks, please be on the lookout for unmarked squad cars and refrain from using your cellular device when in your vehicle! Please visit our website for more information at www.kellerlawoffices.com
