Minnesota reports summer drunk driving arrest tally

On Behalf of | Oct 27, 2020 | DWI |

Summer is over, and fall is well underway. However, many in Minnesota are still dealing with events that took place in the last weeks of the previous season. More than a lingering tan or vacation debt, some may be facing the consequences of a drunk driving arrest. In fact, the Department of Public Safety recently released its statistics from its DWI enforcement campaign, which ran between Aug. 14 and Sept. 7.

During that time, police from 312 agencies across the state arrested nearly 1,650 drivers for operating a vehicle while impaired. Statistics show this is about 170 more arrests than during last year’s campaign. Some of these arrests involved drug impairments, and several arrests occurred following traffic stops for speeding and other violations.

Dealing with the aftermath of an arrest

The blood alcohol concentration limit in Minnesota is .08, but several drivers arrested during the end-of-summer campaign had BAC levels more than three times the limit. One driver’s BAC  tested at .38. A significantly high BAC level can result in much harsher penalties for a conviction, including the installation of an ignition interlock system. Additionally, in at least two cases, police seized the vehicles of drivers following their arrest.

Authorities remind drivers that a drunk driving arrest can have significant and long-lasting consequences if it leads to a conviction. Drivers typically face license suspension for as long as one year, substantial fines and fees, and the risk of jail time. Drivers with multiple DWI convictions on their records can expect additional penalties. With so much at stake, it is not wise to handle these matters without the skill of an experienced attorney.

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