Study recommends lowered drunk-driving threshold
For Minnesota motorists, DWI offenses already carry significant penalties. Even first-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges could wind up with a license suspension, a major fine and even jail time. Like all other states, Minnesota sets the drunk driving threshold at a blood alcohol count of .08 percent. However, a study is recommending a lowered limit, […]
Minnesota man facing multiple drug charges
A 30-year-old man from Red Wing remains in Goodhue County Jail after authorities set his bail at $200,000. He stands accused of bringing methamphetamine into the state and selling it primarily on the Fond du Lac Reservation according to a statement from the Cloquet Police Department. The police agency launched an investigation of the man […]
Country music star charged with DUI
Country music artist Michael Ray shot to fame in Minnesota when his ballad ‘Kiss You in the Morning” climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2015. However, the 29-year-old entertainer’s wholesome reputation suffered a blow on Dec. 20 when he was taken into custody on drunk driving and drug possession charges. […]
December proclaimed National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Government agencies and community organizations throughout Minnesota have worked to provide advocacy and education on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. At the end of the day, however, every motorist has the responsibility to decide if they are impaired to the point where they should not get behind the wheel. In 2016, more than 10,000 […]
First-degree arson in Minnesota
To prove that a person has committed first-degree arson in Minnesota, the prosecution must show that he or she performed the acts specified in the relevant statute beyond a reasonable doubt. The elements of arson in the first degree are listed in statute number 609.561. Arson in the first degree may involve a dwelling or […]
Man faces new drug charges after agent’s home visit
A Minnesota man with a history of convictions related to controlled substances is now facing new felony charges. According to media sources, the 36-year-old man was charged with storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of a child and drug possession in the fifth degree following a visit to his home by a Minnesota Department of […]
Prosecutors shown to use race as a determining factor in pleas
Black Minnesotans who are charged with crimes are much likelier to receive harsher sentences and to be forced into accepting pleas simply to get out of jail. A new study reveals the disparities between the sentencing of black and white criminal defendants, demonstrating a need for substantial changes. A researcher from Loyola Law School reviewed data from […]
Minnesota man convicted on drug possession charges
A 38-year-old Minnesota man faces more than 12 years in prison after being convicted on counts of drug possession in the first and second degrees in a Morrison County court. The jury listened to evidence for three days but took less than an hour to return its verdict. The charges stem from a routine traffic […]
Facing drug charges as part of a drug cartel
Minnesota residents who are accused of being involved in a drug cartel are particularly at risk for facing serious consequences if they are convicted on charges associated with major crimes. Drug cartels are gangs or organizations that are significantly involved in drug trafficking. Those accused of being involved in a drug cartel face a number […]