A recent interesting DWI law-related topic that has been quite prevalent in the news addresses the appropriateness of life prison sentences for repeat DWI offenders. Read More...

Among the most under cited yet interesting DWI law-related topics in contemporary jurisprudence is the increased use of problem-solving courts. DWI/DUI courts are a type of diversion court designed to alleviate the burden of DWI/DUIs on regular court and corrections resources. These problem-solving courts use alternative interventions and treatment for offenders who plead guilty to driving while impaired or intoxicated. The establishment of the National Center for DWI Courts (NCDC) has resulted in the explosive growth of DWI courts, as well as other problem-solving courts for domestic violence and other specific offenses. Read More...

The increased attention and efforts to curb DWIs has resulted in myriad new technology to assist the fight. However, in some cases, technology infringes upon individuals’ constitutional rights. The use of GPS technology in ignition interlock systems (IID) yields significant criminal law/defense questions regarding state efforts versus constitutional rights. Read More...

Among one of the most interesting DWI law-related topics is the history of Minnesota’s drunk driving laws. Read More...

When any new technology enters the market, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks to determine the proper balance between this innovation and aviation safety. Today’s interesting DWI topic involves the question of whether a drone operator can be charged with operating a drone while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Read More...

Minnesota’s “implied consent” law (Minn. Stat. sec. 169A.20, subd. 2) criminalized motorists who refused to take a breath, blood, or urine test if suspected of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. However, two new MN Supreme Court cases with regard to the refusal of blood and urine testing have determined that criminalizing the refusal of a blood or urine test violated the defendants’ Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure, as well as their due process rights under Minnesota and the U.S. Constitutions. Read More...

A recent article out of Vancouver, Canada has some interesting anti-DWI new technology that could improve police efforts to curb drunk driving. Read More...

There is rarely a day when some type of news, statute, or technology regarding DWI law is not front and center in the public eye. The history and evolution of drunk driving technology offer an interesting backdrop to explain salient issues and emerging technology. Read More...

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Sec. 169A.20, Subd. 1, it is illegal for an individual to drive a motor vehicle with any Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance or a metabolite in his/her system, even with a valid prescription and even if the person is not impaired in any way. The problem is that many prescription medications are, in fact, listed on Schedule I or II; thus, these laws are unfairly targeting innocent people who are simply following their physicians’ orders. Read More...

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s annual report on DWI accidents, whereas 88 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2014, in 2015, this number rose to 95. However, when compared to the 103 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2011 and 135 in 2006, there is a decline. In 2015, 2,203 individuals were injured in alcohol-related crashes. Read More...