Chemical field tests—those inexpensive test kits used to detect illegal drugs—have become a staple in the fight against drug crimes. These tests work when officers drop an unknown substance into a pouch of chemicals, and the telltale color changes identifies the presence of any controlled substance. Read More...

Body cameras are invaluable for protecting both police officers and citizens during non-routine encounters by providing a complete and unbiased recording of the situation. Body cameras are also valuable in DUI cases to protect officers from any constitutional violations, procedural mistakes, or other errors which can arise during a traffic stop. The footage helps DWI defense attorneys, jury members, and judges see and hear officer’s instructions when administering roadside sobriety tests, the demeanor and actions of the suspect, and other critical information. Finally, body cameras can also improve police-community relations and reduce police excessive use of force. Read More...

Back in October, the Minnesota Supreme Court reversed the DWI convictions of woman who was arrested on three separate occasions—in 2014 and 2015—for driving while under the influence of Dust-Off, a refrigerant-based propellant cleaner that contains difluoroethane (DFE) and which is commonly used to blow dirt and dust out of computer keyboards. However, it is also a common inhalant for people wishing to get high on DFE. Read More...

A recent Consumer Reports study examined how increasingly sophisticated in-car technology is contributing to distracted driving. In particular, the study looked at so-called “infotainment systems” such as touch screens and other types of dashboard controls. Whereas some technology is necessary for such things as adjusting the radio and temperature, the progression from simple knobs to digital screens is not only more confusing but also more distracting. Read More...

By now, everyone has heard of the Otter Tail County man who was facing his 28^th DWI. The Minnesota man has a long history with law enforcement that includes 27 prior DWIs. He didn’t help his case when—after being pulled over by police—he refused to perform field sobriety tests and told the officer, “I am way over, take me to jail.” The most perplexing part of this case is why he still had a valid driver’s license especially since he has spent more than 11 years behind bars because of DWI convictions and parole/probation violations. Read More...

Among other states, including Minnesota,  Louisville, Kentucky, has begun using an older but familiar technology in a new way. Similar to a house arrest ankle bracelet, the newest ankle monitors can now detect how much alcohol is in one’s system and these devices are enjoying increased attention and use in monitoring repeat DWI offenders. Currently, approximately a dozen individuals are using this technology in Jefferson County. Read More...

The use of DUI checkpoints—or roadblocks—designed to permit law enforcement to randomly and/or systematically stop motorists to determine if they are driving while under the influence has been the subject of considerable debate. Whereas some people assert that these roadblocks are unconstitutional, others refute that they are necessary to reduce the growing problem of drunk driving and act as a strong deterrent. Read More...

According to one woman who wishes to remain anonymous (let’s call her Jane Doe), her struggle with drinking led to four DWIs and a driver’s license suspension. She had resigned herself to the fact that she would never be able to legally drive again until she heard of—and enrolled in—the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program. Read More...

Back in July, the Michigan Supreme Court held that an individual can, in fact, be arrested for DWI in his/her own driveway. Essentially, it ruled that motorists are not safe from DUI laws while on private property—even one’s own. Read More...

In a recent ruling, the Georgia Supreme Court unanimously held that the state’s constitution does not provide law enforcement officers the right or ability to compel drivers suspected of DUI/DWI to take a breathalyzer test. Read More...