There are ample news stories and studies with respect to drunk and drugged driving; however, driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Read More...

In a December 29, 2016 decision, Minnesota Judge Jacqueline Regis of the Fourth Circuit issued a ruling that will temporarily prevent ignition interlock devices from being installed in the cars of those accused or convicted of DUI in Minnesota. At issue was the fact the interlock devices approved for use by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety were capable of GPS tracking, which raises serious privacy concerns. Read More...

The media is rife with news and information regarding drunk and drugged driving topics. Attracting increased attention is the volume of drunk drivers who drive the wrong way on highways. Read More...

In a recent high-profile story (and, of course, in California), a man is fighting charges of driving under the influence of caffeine. Read More...

On 5 December, the Minnesota Court of Appeals held in State of Minnesota v. Gregory Allen Olson, File No. 69HI-CR-14-823 (5 December 2016) that it is not considered a terroristic threat if an individual expresses hope that a Minnesota state trooper gets shot. Read More...

As MN lawmakers move to block GPS trackers on interlock devices we must question why GPS is necessary on a vehicle which already requires the owner to use a breathalyzer before driving anywhere. There are a number of reasons we should consider GPS trackers on the interlock devices. You must consider who is being targeted and why. Are the constitutional rights of people being violated? Let’s address the issue of GPS on these devices from a legal, ethical, privacy and constitutional view. Read More...

Police pull over a DUI suspect and administer a breathalyzer test. The driver blows into the machine, and the results show a .1% BAC level—just above the legal limit of .08%. Many people assume that when this situation occurs it is an open and shut case leading to a conviction against the driver. This isn’t necessarily true. Read More...

In recent news, non-profit group Minnesotans for Safe Driving has reported it opposes new state rules requiring that newer ignition interlock systems have GPS data collecting capability. According to Jon Cummings, Minnesotans for Safe Driving founder, adding GPS data capacity is “not a good idea and was done kind of sneaky” because it was not made available to the public who allegedly felt blindsided. He stated that the added GPS capacity is likely to make some people who choose to use the device change their minds, especially if they feel the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is tracking their movement. Cummings adds that this addition may ultimately undermine a program that has enabled the state to enjoy a significant reduction in repeat DUI/DWI offenders. Read More...

The holidays naturally give rise to DWI law-related stories and topics. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend has surpassed St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s as the deadliest time for drunk driving. Recent data from the Denver-based Alcohol Monitoring Systems (AMS) demonstrate that out of 500,000 DUI offenders tested around the clock for drinking, violations are 38 percent higher than average on Thanksgiving Day, 34 percent higher on Thanksgiving Eve, and 31 percent higher over the long holiday weekend. Read More...

Recent news illuminated a relevant criminal law/defense topic. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced earlier this week that St. Anthony police officer Jeromino Yanez will face prosecution on second-degree manslaughter charges in the shooting death of Philando Castile on 6 July 2016. Read More...