Xanax linked to a growing number of drug-related crimes in Minnesota
Recent headlines about University of Minnesota wrestlers being involved in the use and sale of benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Valium and Ativan), as well as this story of a Macalester College athlete facing criminal charges relating to his own use and sale of Xanax have led some to wonder if a new avenue of drug-related crimes is coming […]
Twins’ pitching coach refuses breath test
By now, you have probably already heard that the Twins’ pitching coach, Neil Allen, was arrested for DWI after refusing to take a Breathalyzer test in the early morning hours of May 26, 2016. With this arrest, he has been suspended, and his career is in jeopardy with the Twins. Can police arrest someone for DWI when […]
Oral arguments: What’s the fate of Minnesota’s implied consent law?
If you follow this blog, you know that we have been tracking the recent evolution of drunk driving mandates – especially in terms of implied consent laws. The laws are subject to possible change this year, as this previous blog explains: The future of blood-alcohol tests in Minnesota. Update: Alcohol tests in Minnesota The U.S. Supreme […]
A lawyer is critical in violent crime defense
According to a Pioneer Press News report, a woman was shot four times after honking at another driver for cutting her off on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. The crime is expected to be an example of road rage. Police are looking for the shooter. If caught, the shooter could face a number of possible charges, including […]
Eat, drink, and be careful
Did you have a good St. Patrick’s Day? You do not have to be Irish in Minnesota to partake in the festivities, as nearly all Twin Cities residents celebrate this jovial holiday. Last week, streets were overflowing with green: green clothing, green food and green beer. Drinking is a staple of this Irish celebration. Every […]
Get help: Common signs of teenage drug abuse
“I never would have thought she’d take anything – never in a million years.” That’s what the mother of a 17-year-old Woodbury teenager said after her child passed away in 2014 from a drug overdose. The teen fell victim to the growing synthetic drug problem that has infiltrated several Minnesota communities and the rest of the United […]
The future of blood-alcohol tests in Minnesota
In late December 2015, the Minnesota Court of Appeals determined that the state cannot prosecute motorists for refusing to submit to warrantless urine tests. The decision is in accordance with the Fourth Amendment principles. The practice is deemed a “search,” and unless the suspect provides voluntary consent, a warrant is required for urine testing. Urine […]
Extra DWI enforcement over the holidays
Thanksgiving is done, but we still have a few other holidays in sight. Besides friends and family, nothing is more warming during the winter freeze than peppermint schnapps, hot cider or eggnog with a little bourbon. However, if you decide to get your jolly “buzz” on during this holiday season, please be careful. According to […]
Minnesota has revised its drunk driving laws
Did you know that the state of Minnesota recently stiffened penalties for mid-level drunk driving offenses? This year, the Minnesota Legislature lowered the threshold for gross misdemeanor DWI offenses to a blog-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16. The new law went into effect August 2016. This revision makes the BAC level .04 percent lower than the […]