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,...
Drinking, Golfing and the Legal Consequences
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...
What is Drug Court?
Drug Court is a special court designed to rehabilitate certain felony offenders through long-term comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives. Drug courts promote recovery through a coordinated response to...
Can I go to Canada with a DWI Conviction?
For years this question has been one of interest for those who have been charged, convicted, or accused of DWI or DUI. Fishing and hunting trips to Canada with family and friends is a favorite past-time of many Minnesotans and until recently, if you had a DWI...
Protecting your reputation after an arrest
Having an arrest on your record might score you extra points with a few people, but trust us -- those aren’t the people you want to be around. Unfortunately, having an arrest on your record carries a profound stigma, and it can interfere with your life and your...
Hunting, Drinking and Criminal Convictions.
Hunting is a favorite past-time for many Minnesotans and as with many favorite past times, some hunters like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. This raises the question, “is it ok to drink and hunt?” Under Minnesota Statute, a person may not take wild animals...
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Minnesota
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...
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...
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...
Let’s Play Ball! The Link Between Sporting Events and Alcohol
Whether it is a baseball, football or hockey game, alcohol seems to be the beverage of choice for many attendees. Even before the game, many people tailgate around their parked vehicles with hamburgers, hot dogs and a beer in anticipation of the big game to come. In...
Miranda Rights: What You Need to Know
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult with an attorney…” We’ve all heard the Miranda rights on TV shows and in movies. But if you’ve ever had them read to you in person,...
Minnesota DWI Penalties Strengthened With The Ignition Interlock
The freedom to drive is often taken for granted. Imagining a world without the ability to travel at ease may seem more like a bad dream to most. But for about 30,000 people statewide who are charged with driving while intoxicated each year, this nightmare quickly...
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...
Whiskey Plates; Another Embarrassing Consequence of a Minnesota DWI
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DWI, “whisky plates” may be your next purchase. Whiskey Plates are specialty license plates that are issued by the State to help local law enforcement officers keep an eye out for those who present a high risk to...
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...