Post St. Patrick's Day DWI Break Down

From the March 17, 2011, Star Tribune - Metro (Public Safety) Section - A Few Sobering Notes on Driving Drunk.

Did you know?

St. Patrick's Day is the second-deadliest holiday for alcohol-related traffic deaths, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

So...

Extra DWI patrols will be on the roads on St. Patrick's Day to nab drunk drivers.

Sobering Facts:

- Alcohol-related crashes on St. Patrick's Day accounted for four of seven Minnesota traffic deaths from 2007 to 2009.

- 909 drivers were arrested for DWI during that time.

- Each year in Minnesota, alcohol-related crashes account for more than 140 deaths. More than 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI.

- One in seven Minnesotans has a DWI on record. A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

What They Say

"There are plenty of safe alternatives available on St. Patrick's Day, so there is no excuse for anyone to put lives at risk by driving impaired," says Jean Ryan, impaired-driving program coordinator in the DPS' Office of Traffic Safety.

Gonna Drink All Day?

Drinking for long periods will produce high alcohol-concentration levels that will not drop below the legal limit -- even with breaks in drinking in the morning or afternoon, Ryan said.

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There are many ways to celebrate the saints, from Patrick to Valentine to Old Nick. If drinking is part of that party - enjoy in moderation. If your definition of that differs from that of the government - and you find yourself having to answer to them for as much - your first, best defense is to contact a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney and learn about how your rights and your future can be preserved.

I understand that when your facing legal charges you want to find a representative that you can trust. One way I try to demonstrate that I have my client's best interests at heart is through the individualized attention I provide. Work with me and you'll understand what’s happening at each step of the process. I'm private, easy to talk to, and I help my clients get positive results.