Much attention is placed on breathalyzers and related machines used to test suspected drunk drivers’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC); however, the software is just as important as the hardware. In fact, experts assert that the software is, in fact, the weakest link in the entire testing process. Read More...

Pursuant to Minnesota law, it is a crime to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any motor vehicle: Read More...

Given that the country has been subject to various degrees of shutdown and associated quarantines, there is no wonder that traffic has slowed. Minnesotans have been doing their part staying indoors and working at home, where applicable, in response to Governor Tim Walz’s stay-at-home orders. Read More...

In its most basic application, enhanceable crimes increase sentences and penalties. Pursuant to Minnesota law, an offense is enhanceable if a guilty plea or conviction requires consideration of the defendant’s prior criminal history and other factors for the past ten years in order to punish the defendant for repeat conduct. Generally, if a person is charged with the same offense, then the severity of the charge may be increased—such as from a misdemeanor to a felony—thus leading to increased consequences. Read More...

Alcohol-related DWIs in Minnesota have been on a steady decline for the past decade; however, controlled substance or other drug-related DWIs have actually increased drastically over the past 30 years. According to Minnesota Highway Trooper Sergeant Troy Christianson, in 1990, Minnesota recorded only five controlled substance-related DWI incidents. By 1997, this figure had increased to 228. Then, in 2007, there were 659 such incidents, and in 2017, this number had increased to 1,982 drug-related DWI convictions. Read More...

We have covered getting a DWI in your driveway, while riding a snowmobile, while riding a motorcycle, while on a horse, and while operating a boat. This time we’ll cover the strangest places and odd stories behind Minnesota—and other states’—driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrests. Read More...

There is little doubt that ignition interlock devices (IIDs) have prevented many alcohol-related automobile accidents. However, back in December, a New York Times investigation discovered that IIDs also cause numerous accidents. Read More...

In 2018, there were almost 27,000 DWI arrests. In 2019, there were nearly 28,000. In 2019, 12,000 of these agreed to utilize ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Read More...

In 2019, 27,975 Minnesota motorists were cited for driving while impaired (DWI). Of these, while the majority were, in fact, under the influence of alcohol, a growing number is under the influence of drugs, primarily opioids, methamphetamines, and cannabis. In fact, the number of drug-impaired drivers arrested between 2013 and 2017 were 78 percent higher than between 2008 and 2012. Further, these substances were responsible for a nearly five percent increase in DWI arrests when compared with 2018. Read More...

Being arrested for a DWI can be stressful. From the arrest to trial to incarceration to fines, there are also long-term ramifications such as higher insurance premiums, loss of drivers’ license, vehicle impoundment, loss of job, and other civil penalties which can occur. It becomes imperative for motorists who are arrested for DWI to familiarize themselves with the most common mistakes motorists make following a DWI arrest—and to avoid them. Read More...