This October Judge Jerome Abrams of Scott County will begin hearing arguments on the validity of the breath tests administered by police to measure blood alcohol content of suspected DWI offenders. Over 3,000 Minnesota DWI cases spanning the last 30 months have been placed in limbo until the validity of the instrument’s software source code is […]
Minnesota Will Require Ignition Interlock Device for DWI Offenders
Effective July 1, 2011, new legislation passed by Governor Tim Pawlenty will require all Minnesota DWI offenders whose alcohol-concentration levels test .16 and above to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicle. The ignition interlock is a car device which analyzes the breath alcohol content of the driver before allowing the car to start. The […]
Vehicle Searches: Know Your Rights
The Constitution protects Americans against illegal search and seizure. Most people own automobiles but are not aware of the legalities behind police vehicle searches. In many cases, police officers have no right to search a vehicle during a routine traffic stop; however, unwarranted searches can and do occur. Police officers are not responsible for informing vehicles occupants of […]
Do You Have to Perform DWI Field Sobriety Tests in Minnesota?
If you are pulled over because a police officer believes that you are in violation of DWI law, you may be asked to perform a series of simple physical or cognitive tests to determine sobriety. Field sobriety tests provide officers probable cuase to arrest drivers on the suspicion of driving under the influence. The standard […]
Minnesota DWIs are Enhanceable
A Minnesota DWI is an “enhanceable” offense, meaning certain factors can increase the charges of a Minnesota drunk driving offense. Depending on which aggravating factors the driver is accused of, the level of severity of the offense will vary. If the driver is accused of any of the following circumstances, the charges will increase: The […]
