California’s Groundbreaking Traffic Stop Policy In January 2024, California introduced a transformative policy to improve law enforcement and public interactions during traffic stops. Under this new law, officers can no longer ask, “Do you know why I stopped you?” Instead, they must explicitly state the reason for pulling a driver over. This article explores the…
A PBT stands for Preliminary Breath Test in DWI cases. Some people call it a portable breath test. Minnesota statutes refer to it as a preliminary screening test. However you slice it, it means the same thing. It is a handheld device that cops use as part of their field sobriety testing in DWIs. In…
The One-Leg Stand Test is a field sobriety test used by officers during an investigation for suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). If you are pulled over, and an officer asks you to step out of the vehicle, they may put you through field sobriety testing. These commonly include…
The Walk and Turn Test is a field sobriety test used by officers during an investigation for suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). The officer should ask the suspect before conducting the test if he or she has any problems affecting their balance. The officer will either instruct the…
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus or HGN test is used by officers during an investigation for suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). The officer will hold a flashlight behind his or her fingertip, pen tip, or penlight while instructing the suspect to follow the tip of their item while he…
DWIs in Minnesota trigger driver’s license revocation periods. Depending on the circumstances of the DWI, prior DWIs or license revocations stemming from DWIs, the amount of time a person loses their driver’s license for can vary. However, Minnesota’s ignition interlock device program often allows drivers to get a restricted driver’s license during their revocation period….
In some cases, the prosecution will file a motion asking the court for an aggravated (upward) sentencing departure. This means the prosecutor is asking the court to sentence you to a more severe prison sentence than what your offense calls for in the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. Any departure, mitigated or aggravated, is asking the court…
In Minnesota, what constitutes underage age drinking and driving? Seems simple enough. If you are under the age of 21, you drink alcohol, and you drive. Then, that is illegal, correct? The short answer is yes. Do not drink any alcohol and then drive a motor vehicle if you are under the age of 21….
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