With good legal representation, your first DWI usually can get you a $300 fine and some probation and classes. A second offense might yield a 30 day sentence. More priors, high alcohol readings, and test refusals can make the consequences much worse. In Minnesota,...
DWI law in Minnesota is truly up in the air. On April 17, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Missouri v. McNeely and its impact is being felt all across the country, especially in Minnesota. The Court held that law enforcement had violated...
Most first time DWI offenses in Minnesota are misdemeanors. The crime is called Fourth Degree DWI. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor Fourth Degree DWI is 90 days in local jail and a $1,000 fine, just like all misdemeanors. However, many DWI crimes are charged out...
Today let's talk about motor vehicle forfeitures in DWI cases. Minnesota statutes allow the government to forfeit, or take title to, your vehicle if you commit particular types of DWI offenses. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169A.63 sets out the types of offenses that...
Do you know the difference between a DWI-DUI? Do you know what these acronyms stand for? Is one worse than the other? Let us start first by defining these terms. First there is "DUI" which stands for “Driving Under the Influence. All that is required to be convicted...
Kevin Sieben Law, LLC presents a PowerPoint video outlining procedures to follow when stopped for a DWI arrest. The best advice is don't drink and drive.
MEDINA, Minn. (WCCO) – A Medina man pulled over for driving a Segway under the influence has beat those charges – again. In fact, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Segways are exempt from DWI laws. Last February, police in Medina pulled over Mark Greenman on his...
Most people enjoy being record holders, but this record is not one to brag about. Danny Bettcher holds the record for the most DWI’s in Minnesota; 27. A little over one month after Bettcher had been released from prison, he went to a bar and drank. Both conditions...
After the initial shock of an arrest wears off, many questions begin running through your head. One question you might have is, “Do I have to tell my work about my arrest?” Generally the answer is no. However, if you have signed an employment contract with your work,...
After a cold, snowy, and long winter, the weather is finally improving which, for many Minnesotans, means it’s time to dust off their golf clubs and hit the course. Many Minnesotans take the 4+ hours they spend on the golf course as an opportunity to enjoy some...
If you’ve been arrested for a first- or second-degree DWI, you could find yourself subjected to jail time even before sentencing. Some offenders post bail, while others may be required to submit to Remote Electronic Alcohol Monitoring (REAM). Abstaining from alcohol...
If you or a close friend or family member has been charged with driving under the influence, you’re sure to want the best possible resolution of the situation. The aftermath of a DWI arrest is a scary and uncertain time. You or your loved one may be overwhelmed by the...
The verdict is in: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety released a final crash report for 2010, and things are looking better -- well, marginally better. This annual report highlights crash statistics and also offers information on impaired driving. Here’s a look...
What’s on your mind today? Perhaps you’re thinking about where to pick up take-out for supper, or how you’re going to find time to squeeze in a workout. Maybe you’re wondering where you’re going to meet your friends for drinks later. If you have a DUI or DWI on your...
Felony: The word could hardly be heavier, and with good reason. Felonies represent the most serious category of criminal charges, and the corresponding penalties are equally severe. So what happens after you’ve been convicted of a felony DWI? In Minnesota, if you’re...
There are a few topics that just weren’t covered in your ninth grade civics class. For example: misdemeanor vs. felony DWIs. This topic might have been (understandably) left out of the textbooks, but it’s important information. Here’s a quick tutoring session to get...
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration. With the holiday falling on a Monday this year, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend with friends, family, fireworks, food and plenty of fun. But along with the celebration comes a steep increase in the...
Please enjoy my first ever video blog. I still plan to update this blog via the "old fashioned" text based blogs but every now and then I hope to add a video. This first video is intended as a brief introduction to my practice....