The penalties for driving while impaired can include consequences such as time behind bars, expensive fines and more. In Minnesota, more drivers could be facing these penalties and more as the state increases drunk driving patrols as part of a limited-time safety campaign. A spokesperson from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety states that the officers who will be working with this effort receive specific training on how to spot signs of possible intoxication.
Drunk driving during the summer months
One reason for the timing of this campaign is that there is typically an increase in drunk driving incidents during the summer months. The campaign will run through the first week of September, and law enforcement hopes that this will discourage drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. This effort is part of the Toward Zero Deaths effort.
For the next few weeks, there will be more officers on the road monitoring driver behavior. Possible indicators of intoxication could include swerving from lane to lane, not using turn signals, making wide turns and more. If a police officer notices these signs, he or she may initiate a suspected drunk driving traffic stop, which may eventually lead to an arrest.
After a drunk driving arrest
After an arrest for drunk driving, a Minnesota defendant will benefit from seeking legal guidance. It is important to confront these charges with a thoughtfully prepared defense strategy. To learn more about the specific options available to an individual, it will be helpful to seek the insight of an experienced defense attorney.
