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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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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 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...