If an existing probation sentence is denying you opportunities or making it difficult to live your life the way you want, you may be wondering if anything can be done. The good news is that in some instances, it is possible to terminate probation in Minnesota early. While it isn't always possible...
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Learn why you should avoid snowmobiling while intoxicated in Minnesota
The first snow has started to fall and that has many Minnesotans rushing for their snowmobiles. But before you jump on the back of your sled and get ready for a thrilling afternoon out in the snow, remember to do so responsibly. It is illegal to snowmobile while intoxicated in Minnesota. Operati...
Learn more about strip searches in Minnesota
So what is a strip search and when is one appropriate in Minnesota? The answer to the first is easy to pin down but the answer to the second can be much more confusing. Let's take a look. What is a strip search? A strip search is an invasive investigation occurring when a police officer asks an...
Minnesota DWI enforcement to increase this holiday season
The holiday season is here once again, a chance to see family and friends and celebrate a successful year. For many people the holiday season means more traveling, more spending and more celebrating, but across the state this celebrating can also result in more Minnesota DWI arrests. This year, ...
Restoring firearm rights in Minnesota
Minnesotans love the great outdoors; from camping to fishing or hunting, the state provides numerous seasonal opportunities. But for some people, a prior criminal conviction has prohibited their firearms rights and limited these opportunities. If you have such a conviction on your record and it i...
Learn more about expungements in Minnesota
If your past criminal record has cost you a job opportunity, housing, or a professional license, you wish that blemish would disappear permanently. But can it be done? The short answer is yes, under the right circumstances. Today we're going to look more at expungements in Minnesota and see how t...
What is the Minnesota Interlock program?
You've probably never heard of Minnesota's Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program but if convicted of a DWI, enrollment may be required to avoid losing all driving privileges. What is the Minnesota interlock program? The program gets its name from the ignition interlock device which is about the si...
Minnesota staggered sentencing: what is it?
In our previous blog posts we've talked about the potential penalties that come with a DWI conviction under Minnesota Statute 169A.20. Today we'll take a look at another potential outcome of a DWI conviction: staggered sentencing. Staggered sentencing, Minnesota Statute 169A.275 Subdivision 6(b)...
How you can get a physical control DWI/DUI in Minnesota
The plain meaning of “driving under the influence” seems at first blush to indicate you must be actually driving to be convicted of a DUI offence. But, in fact, this is not the law in Minnesota. Believe it or not, it is possible to be cited for these offenses if you are deemed to have “physical c...
Minnesota vs. Greenman: Is a Segway a motor vehicle?
If you don't own a Segway, you've probably never given this question much thought. But as Segways' exposure and popularity have increased in recent years, so has the push to define them. Are they a motor vehicle like a car or are users considered pedestrians, as with a skateboard? In the state of...
How DWI/DUI applies to your boat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile
While the terms DWI and DUI are well known, many people still mistakenly believe these offenses apply solely to the impaired operation of an automobile. But in fact, DWI/DUI applies to more than cars. You can be arrested for DWI/DUI while operating a boat, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or any o...
Think you can’t get arrested for a DWI unless you’re drunk? Think again.
Many people believe the common falsehood that only those who abuse alcohol and drive can be arrested for DWI. In fact the opposite is true. Those who abuse controlled substances such as drugs and prescription drugs are just as susceptible to a DWI arrest as an alcohol-impaired motorist. Minnesot...
Minnesota Supreme Court Rules on Brooks Case
Yesterday, on October 23, 2013, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on State v. Brooks, a case sent down from the United States Supreme Court in conjunction with its decision in McNeely v Missouri. Immediately considered a landmark 4th Amendment case, McNeely held that the dissipation of alcohol i...
The effects of a DWI/DUI on your commercial driver’s license
If you are convicted of a DWI/DUI, you could face serious criminal, civil and professional consequences as a result. Those consequences will be even more severe if you carry a commercial driver's license (CDL). The effects of a DWI/DUI on your commercial driver's licensecan be catastrophic. If y...
A legal look at DWI vehicle forfeiture in Minnesota
If you are convicted of driving drunk in the state of Minnesota, you may have to forfeit your vehicle. This punishment may seem excessive given the other penalties that already accompany a DWI but the Minnesota Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court have both found these laws constitut...