Traffic offenses are the most common charges in the state of Minnesota. Because they are minor offenses, many people think it a waste of money to hire an attorney to defend a traffic ticket. It is not a waste of money. In fact, hiring a defense attorney can actually save you money in the long […]
Making Sense of the MN Implied Consent Law
The Implied Consent Law has an enormous impact on DWI charges and proceedings in Minnesota. This law governs the testing of motorists for controlled substances. However, too few drivers understand what the law means for their rights. According to the Implied Consent law in Minnesota, anybody who chooses to operate a motor vehicle within the […]
Prescription Drug DWI Part 2: The Procedures
Oxycontin doesn’t register on a breathalyzer, so how does law enforcement test for drug impairment? While the penalties are the same as for an alcohol DWI offense, the testing procedure for a drug DWI is far different. When a drug DWI is suspected, the officer on duty will call a DRE expert to complete a […]
Prescription Drug DWI Part 1: The Laws
Alcohol and hard drugs aren’t the only substances that can land you a DWI conviction. Driving under the influence of many prescription drugs can also carry the same penalties. Minnesota Statute 169A.20 defines “driving while impaired” to include driving under the influence of… Any amount of controlled substance classified as Schedule I or II; A […]
Texting While Driving Part 2 of 2: Defenses
Welcome back to the second and final installment of Appelman Law Firm’s “Texting While Driving” blog series. Last week we outlined the Laws and Consequences of texting and driving in Minnesota. Now we’ll explore some of the issues with enforcing the law, and the possible defenses against a texting while driving criminal charge. Texting while […]