We saw this coming. In fact, we predicted it. This prediction was not based on our personal beliefs regarding Officer Yanez’ guilt or innocence, but rather it was based off our personal experience with the criminal justice system in Minnesota. As insiders of the...
After the recent release of a video showing former NFL running back Ray Rice hitting Janay Palmer, his then fiancé, I feel it is an important time to have some real dialogue about domestic violence. The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women reports that at least 38...
With the holiday season approaching quickly, we wanted to remind everyone to be safe and find a sober ride home. DWI patrols increase during the holiday season, and so do DWI arrests. With all the holiday parties over the next several weeks, you may well find yourself...
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...
Some criminals believe they are invincible and Penelope Soto is no exception. After disrespecting the judge she was appearing before, her punishment increased greatly. Watch the video to find out how. Source: Yahoo! News
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.
The death of Internet activist Aaron Swartz has lead to a public discussion of the power prosecutors have over defendants. Swartz, famous for his role developing Reddit,a social news and entertainment website, recently died as a result of an apparent suicide....
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 night out on the town, Lindsay Lohan is once again in trouble with the law. Early this morning in New York City, Ms. Lohan was arrested on third degree assault charges after allegedly hitting a woman in a nightclub. The alleged victim did not appear to have...
DUI’s are never a good thing but can be even worse for those under the age of 21. If you are under the age of 21 and are caught driving after drinking, you could be charged with two different types of offenses. If you are .07 or less, you most likely will be charged...
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...
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...
We were all taught at a young age of the dangers of drinking and driving and the consequences that come along with it. Police in some states have set up DWI checkpoints in the form of roadblocks in areas with high DWI offense rates to monitor drinking and driving. ...
If you’re faced with a legal challenge, now’s not the time to be hasty when it comes to your representation. Don’t just trust the ads; take the time to actually speak with a potential attorney. It may be one of the most important interviews you ever conduct. After...
Think twice before you post a Facebook album full of photos from your next party. Those captured moments may come back to haunt you. It may feel like the album -- or any posts -- are just between you and your friends, but that’s simply not the case. Which leads us to...
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...