We’ve talked a lot about drinking and driving, but there’s another topic that warrants (no pun intended) attention. The topic? Drug charges. The official term is “Controlled substance” charges. According to 2010 Minnesota statute 152.01, controlled substance means “a...
TV vs. Reality: What’s prison really like?
Even if you’ve never spent a second behind bars, you likely have an image in your mind. It’s an image built on a Hollywood sound stage and featured widely in TV shows and movies. Some TV shows and movies portray prison as gritty and violent, while others have more of...
Long-term Monitoring for DWI’s
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...
What’s the Difference Between Jail and Prison?
Jail. Prison. The words are often used interchangeably, but there’s actually a significant difference between the two. The first difference has to do with crime severity. In Minnesota, a prison is used to house only felony level offenders. So if you haven’t been...
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...
Life after a Felony DWI
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...
Misdemeanor vs. Felony DWI
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...
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...
Bicycling While Intoxicated
After a long night at a summer barbecue or cabin bonfire, it’s time for you to head home. You’ve had a few drinks, and you know better than to get behind the wheel of a car. But what about a bicycle? Bicycle laws vary by state, and there’s often a lot of confusion...
Drinking and Driving on the Fourth of July
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...
The First Video Blog of a Kevin Sieben Law, LLC.
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....
Boating While Intoxicated Laws in Minnesota and What They Mean
Minnesota’s boating season is in full force. With over 10,000 lakes to enjoy, Minnesotans come out in droves to enjoy a summer on the water. But did you know that the decisions you make on the lakes could affect you on the road? Before you drop anchor, it’s crucial...
The Scoop on Driving After a DWI
After you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, wheels of the law start turning immediately. It’s important to be informed, or else the only wheels you’ll be turning could be on a bicycle. So how does a DWI affect your life on the road? After you fail –...
Summer Holidays and DWI’s
As the summer heat nears, so do the summer holidays. If your Memorial Day weekend or 4th of July holiday plans include alcohol, you should start planning now. And no, I do not mean ordering a keg. Two of the top three deadliest impaired driving holidays within the...