No warrant needed for DUI test, according to Minnesota Court of Appeals

Minnesota law enforcement received word that three men had gotten into a truck at a Mississippi River boat launch. According to MPR News, officers arrived on the scene to find the truck hanging on the boat ramp and a man stumbling around in his underwear. The man refused to take a chemical test but admitted that he had been drinking. Because he refused to take the test, he was charged with driving under the influence.

Implied consent and warrants

Minnesota’s implied consent law states that anyone who refuses a DUI test is breaking the law. The man challenged his criminal charge, arguing that the state’s law is unconstitutional. The district court ruled against him, and he appealed to the state’s Court of Appeals, which also rejected his argument.

This law has come into question many times as defendants, such as the man in this case, argue a warrantless search violates the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens from unnecessary searches. As a general rule, law enforcement are required to obtain a warrant to search a person or place when there is probable cause to believe a crime has occurred. There are exceptions, such as if there is an item in plain view, or in an emergency, when law enforcement believe that waiting to get a warrant would jeopardize public safety or cause a loss of evidence.

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that upheld the decision of a Missouri trial court to suppress a blood test in a case in which an officer forced a man accused of drunk driving charges to submit to the test. The nation’s highest court deemed that because it did not appear there was an emergency situation, there was no need to rush the blood test.

Looking ahead

The case of the Minnesota man has moved on to the Minnesota Supreme Court, where the StarTribune reports justices are again questioning the constitutionality of the state’s implied consent law. Four of the justices have asked if law enforcement could simply obtain a warrant prior to DUI testing. The assistant district attorney pointed out that doing so could mean applying for upward of 25,000 warrants, as law enforcement arrested nearly that many people on suspicion of DUI in 2012.

During the hearing, the man’s attorney noted that Minnesota is one of only 11 states that criminalize the refusal of a chemical test, despite all 50 states having an implied consent law. The Minnesota Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the next few months.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance can open the door to serious criminal charges and penalties. Anyone with questions regarding Minnesota’s DUI laws should consult with an attorney.

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

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.