May: 06, 2014

What Is an Ignition Interlock System and When Is It Used?

The Ignition Interlock Device is an in-car Breathalyzer that, when used correctly, prevents drunk drivers from driving. The Ignition Interlock system is a device installed near the steering wheel that is about the size of a hand-held calculator and includes a blowing tube. The driver must blow into the tube before starting the vehicle and if the alcohol concentration level after the driver blows into the tube is above a certain limit, the device will prevent the vehicle from starting. The device is installed near the steering wheel and connected to the engine.

May: 06, 2014

Can I Still Drive If I Have a DUI in Minnesota?

One of the most frequently asked questions by clients who have been charged with a DWI offense is: Can I still drive if I have am convicted of a DWI? Because most DWI offenses carry some loss of driving privileges, it is important that you take the charges seriously. First and second offenses typically result in a temporary loss of driving privileges, but a third offense can result in a license cancellation. If you are a repeat or felony DUI offender, it could also face vehicle forfeiture.

Jan: 27, 2014

Extra DWI patrols planned for Minnesota roads for the Fourth of July, and weekend

The Fourth of July is a time for celebrations and festivities in communities all across Minnesota. Many families gather to celebrate together over the national holiday. But like any holiday period, Minnesota law enforcement agencies gear up for extra enforcement of Minnesota’s tough drunk driving laws.

Jan: 27, 2014

Prosecutors formally charge Mankato anchor with DWI

Alcohol testing under Minnesota’s implied consent law has seen a number of challenges in recent years. This blog has reported the issues challenging the Intoxilyzer machines that are currently under review in the Minnesota Supreme Court. Last year, this blog discussed the issue of whether police can request a urine sample without a warrant under the implied consent laws and use the test results in the criminal case involving driving while impaired charges.

Jan: 27, 2014

Minnesota DWI laws extend beyond charges

The Minnesota Department of public safety says that during the first ten days of the state’s December enforcement campaign targeting driving while impaired, multiple Minnesota law enforcement agencies have arrested drivers on DWI allegations that include blood alcohol levels of 0.30 percent or greater.

Jan: 27, 2014

Minnesota DWI license revocation law includes ignition interlock provisions

Use of ignition interlock devices is a growing trend across the nation to control the number of DWI/DUI arrests in the country. A recent study indicates that the number of the devices that have been installed has more than doubled across the country in the last five years. The national study says that roughly 249,000 cars across the country now have ignition interlock devices installed. That number is a significant increase that the roughly 101,000 cars equipped with the devices in 2006.

Jan: 26, 2014

Minnesota crash statistics show decrease in deadly DWIs

The issue of drunk driving tends to get the public heated up pretty quickly. Minnesota has seen its own ongoing, passionate debate about DWI laws, especially with the recent changes involving harsher penalties for some first-time offenders and repeat offenders.

Jan: 26, 2014

Minnesota law enforcement increases focus on drunk driving

It’s that time of the year again. Not only are college students returning to school, but Labor Day is coming. Between now and the upcoming holiday, the past has shown that the rate of drunk driving and DWI accidents increase.

Jan: 25, 2014

Ignition interlock devices required for Minnesota DWI in July

For most people, driving is a necessity. We need to drive to get to work, to go to the grocery store and run various other errands – that includes Minnesota DWI offenders who have had their licenses pulled. That’s apparently why so many DWI offenders whose licenses are suspended wind up driving anyway.

Mar: 29, 2013

Minnesota Senate considers employment expansion for ignition interlocks

A state senator from Northern Minnesota introduced a new measure to the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday that seeks to create a pilot program to extend the use of ignition interlock devices in Minnesota driving while impaired cases.

Tag: Ignition Interlock Devices