The Minnesota Department of Transportation uses approximately 500 cameras to watch traffic throughout the state. Most of these cameras are focused on the Twin Cities area. Because of the high level of traffic in the area, the Minnesota State Highway Patrol is using this network to help catch drunk drivers. In addition to this system, they rely on other drivers to report drunk drivers.
After a driver calls 911 to report a drunk driver, the 911 dispatcher uses the traffic cameras to find the suspect’s vehicle. Law enforcement is then notified of the location and they make their move so they can stop the driver. The Associated Press did some research and they have found that other drivers making reports from their cell phones accounts for approximately 20 DWI arrests every day.
In 2012, the Minnesota State Highway Patrol received over 40,000 complaints from drivers and this resulted in approximately 650 arrests for different traffic offenses, including DWI.
Drunk Driving Convictions
The consequences for a drunken driving conviction are quite serious. Even a misdemeanor for a first-time offense can result in fines of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. However, repeat offenders face the most serious penalties. For each subsequent offense, the penalties become more severe. If a first-time offender has aggravating factors present, such as having a blood alcohol concentration of .20 or above or having a minor in the vehicle, then the penalties become even harsher. They can include high fines, time in jail, license revocation or suspension, vehicle forfeiture, and other consequences that the judge may deem appropriate for the crime.
It is possible to avoid the mandatory sentence and it be replaced with intensive probation. However, it takes an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney to help you do that. The goal is to have the charges dropped, if possible.
Effective Criminal Defense
If you have been arrested for drunken driving, it is imperative that you make the call and discuss your case with a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney who specializes in DWI and DUI cases. Your case will be thoroughly investigated so you can receive the best possible result. Evidence will be presented on your behalf along with challenges to the evidence presented by the prosecution.
