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...
The Real Story on “Good Behavior” and Prison Sentences
Between the television news, newspapers, and movies, you’ve certainly heard it: “The prisoner got out early on good behavior.” But what exactly does this mean? And who is eligible? “Good behavior” is the colloquial term for what the corrections system officially calls...
How to Select a DWI Attorney
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 truth about felonies and your record
It’s a common question: “How long will a felony stay on my record?” It’s usually followed up with: “Is it possible to get a felony removed from my record?” Under normal circumstances, a felony charge stays on your record for the rest of your life. Even though your...
2010 Minnesota DWI Report by the Numbers
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...
A day in the life of someone with a DUI/DWI
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...
What You Need to Know About Minnesota DWI Laws
DWI laws are complicated, and they vary from state to state. Most Minnesotans know that the blood alcohol limit in Minnesota is 0.08, but that’s just one of the many laws regulating drinking and driving. If you’re like most people, you have plenty of responsibilities...
Under the Limit? You Still Could be Charged with a DWI.
You have had a couple of drinks. You do the math; you know there is no way you are over .08. Confident in your sobriety, you get behind the wheel to head home. Then the flashing lights of a squad car appear in your rearview mirror. You tell yourself that you are...
Probation and the Minnesota Court System
Whether you were convicted of DWI, careless driving, assault, drug possession, or any other offense, probation was likely a part of your sentence. In Minnesota, there are typically two types of probation, to the court and to community corrections. Generally, if the...
When Can the Police Stop my vehicle?
Under Minnesota Law, an officer is allowed to stop a vehicle so long as the officer has a reasonable legal basis to make the stop. An officer is allowed to stop a vehicle when they have actually observed a violation of the law. If an officer observes a violation of...
Will I go to Jail for my DWI?
The number one question on most people’s minds after being charged with a DWI is, “will I go to jail?”. The answer to that question can vary depending upon the severity level of the DWI and the quality of lawyer you have fighting for your rights. In Minnesota and...
The Source Code and Minnesota DWI Arrests
In recent weeks and months there has been a considerable amount of publicity regarding the “Source Code” for the Intoxilyzer 5000 EN (the breath test machine). In laymen terms, the Source Code is the computer code that tells the machine how to convert a breath sample...
The New Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program
Minnesota has recently started a program which allows driver’s who have been cancelled or suspended, because of DWI arrests, an opportunity to regain their driving privileges. The Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program places a “breathalyzer” in the car of the...