Steps to Avoid a DWI This Holiday Season in MN

1 year ago by Brian

There is much to look forward to during the winter holidays, and an arrest for driving while impaired (DWI) is certainly not on your list.

However, Minnesota police officers report increased arrests for DWI each holiday season. 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued a public notice in 2022 announcing that there will be increased enforcement of impaired driving throughout the state from November 23rd through New Year’s.

With more police officers actively seeking out potential DWI offenders, you want to take steps to avoid a DWI arrest and charge during the holidays. 

In the event you are arrested, you should immediately contact a DWI defense lawyer in MN for help. 

 

Don’t Drive While Impaired

The simplest way to avoid an arrest is to avoid impaired driving during the holidays. Plan ahead when you know you will be attending parties or gatherings that will involve alcohol.

Have a designated driver planned, or make sure you will have access to rideshare services or another form of safe transportation.

Remember, however, that not every DWI arrest is justified. Sometimes, police officers make mistakes and arrest drivers who are not actually impaired.

Avoiding intoxicated driving does not always mean you will avoid an arrest. 

 

Remember that DWI Means More than Alcohol

Law enforcement officers are not only looking for drunk drivers but also for anyone under the influence who is on the road. This can also mean:

1. Sleep aids
2. THC and edibles
3. Prescription drugs with side effects that impact driving
4. Narcotics and street drugs

 

You can face a DWI charge for any of these, whether or not you had alcohol in your system. 

 

Know Your Rights

Minnesota does not allow DWI checkpoints, but police departments can engage in saturation patrols to ramp up enforcement efforts. This involves having more officers patrol areas with a greater chance of intoxicated drivers.

You might see more police cars in popular entertainment areas and surrounding venues with holiday concerts and other events. 

Increased patrols often have the main goal of catching DWI offenders. This can also mean wrongful traffic stops and arrests of drivers who are NOT impaired.

Police officers might be so intent on making more arrests that they mistake a driver’s normal conduct for erratic or impaired driving. 

If an officer stops you, remember that you have important constitutional rights.

For example:

1. An officer should not stop you without reasonable suspicion that you have violated the law.
2. An officer should not arrest you without probable cause to believe you committed a crime.
3. An officer cannot search your vehicle without your consent, a warrant, or proper legal justification and exigent circumstances.
4. An officer should inform you of your Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent when officers ask you material questions and the right to contact a defense attorney to represent you.

 

Even if you are arrested, a Woodbury, MN DWI lawyer can use any violations of your rights to help your defense. 

 

Discuss an Arrest With a Woodbury, MN DWI Lawyer

At JS Defense, P.A., we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season free from arrests or legal concerns. However, we are ready to help if you are arrested for DWI. Contact us for more information today. Call: 651-362-9426.