Despite our warning that police would be out in full force over the Thanksgiving holiday, law enforcement noted that 409 drivers were arrested and charged with DWI over the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.
As we mentioned last week, law enforcement officials are currently adding extra DWI patrols to keep the roads safe. The year-end crackdown began the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and is scheduled to run through New Year’s Day, and police already shared some early information from the crackdown. 409 drivers were arrested for DWI between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through Sunday of the holiday weekend. And although that number is actually down slightly from the last reported data (440 such arrests during the same time frame in 2021), Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Troy Christianson said that there have been 935 more DWI arrests this year than through this point in 2022.
Sgt. Christianson noted that in order to keep impaired drivers off the road,“we need to…start focusing on education, make sure we educate people on the dangers of drinking and driving and why we need to make sure that they arrange for a sober driver or just have a designated driver so they can get to where they’re going safely and have fun.”
Holiday DWI Crackdown Continues
The Thanksgiving holiday may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean the crackdowns are ending anytime soon. Police are still committed to keeping the roads safe this winter, and they’ll be conducting extra impaired driving patrols through New Year’s Day. Even if you’re only heading a couple miles away, know that there will be a greater police presence on the roads, and you’ll want to avoid getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or smoking recreational marijuana.
If you or someone you know ended up making a decision they regret over the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure to reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. A DWI can cost more than $10,000 by the time you’re done paying fines, court fees, licenses reinstatement costs and increased automobile insurance rates, so you need to take the charge seriously and defend yourself against the charges in court. The single best way to put forth an effective defense is with an experienced criminal lawyer by your side. Avery has helped countless clients in a similar position, and he’d be happy to help you out in your time of need.
For more information, or to talk with a lawyer during a free case review session, reach out to Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
