Stopped For a Minnesota DWI? (Explained)

As I am sure you're aware --- Minnesota Police Officer are focused on DWI enforcement  - often to the exclusion of all other offenses.  So... what does that mean for you, right?

Everyone knows weekends mean more celebrations... going out, etc, and that means more police on the roads. It's no secret -- the news even reports on it. So how do you stay out of trouble?

The first and best way to avoid a Drunk Driving Arrest --- and a call to an experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney is, of course, to avoid driving while impaired. You can:

Use a designated driver.
Call a commercial designated driver program if you have had a few too many (in the Twin Cities, services like Drink and Drive Intelligently (651-338-1425) or Dry Drivers (651-491-9363) provide you AND your car a ride home). 

Know your limits. 

B.A.C. Calculators can help you estimate whether you would fail a breathalyzer. 

Be safe.
Failing that, what happens if you get pulled over for Driving Under the Influence? 

What should you do, and what should you not do?

DO

• DO be polite and courteous with police. You will NEVER help yourself by being rude or especially assaulting police.
• DO take a breathalyzer test if requested. Minnesota is an "implied consent" state, which means it is a crime to refuse to submit to a breathalyzer. In fact, the penalties for refusing to take a breathalyzer test can be more severe than driving drunk. In almost all circumstances, you are better off taking the breath test, even if you think you will fail it.
• DO pay attention to the officer's name and, if possible, badge number.
• DO sign a traffic citation if you receive one. Signing a traffic ticket is just agreeing that you received it; it is not an admission of guilt.
• DO write down your own version of what happened as soon as possible. It will help you remember later and may help you if your case goes to trial.
• Finally, DO call a lawyer immediately if you are arrested, and refuse to answer any questions other than your identifying information.

DON'T

• DO NOT, ever, verbally or physically assault a police officer. This will subject you to much more serious charges.
• DO NOT lie to police officers. Again, this is far more likely to land you in greater trouble than it is to get you out of it.
• DO NOT answer any questions about your evening or how much you have been drinking. You have a right not to answer questions. Exercise it.
• DO NOT sign anything except a normal traffic ticket.

By following these steps, you can keep yourself out of trouble, or at least, keep the trouble you are already in from getting worse. Be safe this weekend.

Fight Your Shoplifting / Retail Theft Charge in Minnesota!

Retail theft, also known as Shoplifting, can be a serious criminal charge under Minnesota's laws. Depending on the value of the items involved - one could face quite substantial consequences - including BIG fines and jail time. 

No matter the level of the charge, as an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, I feel as though it's my duty to inform you that ANY criminal charge (petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor or felony) must be taken seriously if you hope to avoid the harshest consequences now and in the future.

Why Hire a Lawyer for a Simple Shoplifting Charge?

I get asked this all the time, and even if you are only facing a citation (or petty misdemeanor offense charge) for Shoplifting - with the little to know consequences - you have to understand that this is still your one and only time to keep your record clean and avoid problems that could seriously affect your in the future.  Because, in this day of invasive background checks - it isn't really the penalty the judge is going to impose that you should worry about. Rather, it is what impact is something like this going to have on your future --- after the case is closed.

Any conviction for Shoplifting can remain on your criminal record forever, and could affect future employment opportunities, scholarships, apartment rentals, or any situation where someone might look into your past.

Not to mention that if it ever happens again, you'll be facing a 2nd offense charge and run the all too real risk of jail time. If that happens, you'll regret not taking every opportunity to have an experienced Minnesota Shoplifting Lawyer work for a dismissal and keep your record clean - the 1st time out.

How to Beat a Minnesota Shoplifting Charge

There are often excellent legal defenses against Shoplifting charges. A couple of areas ripe for consideration are: (a.) how the facts of your case apply to the statute, (b.) whether or not the government can prove that you intentionally attempted to steal anything, and (c.) what did the security personnel involved do right and wrong. 

If the case can't be "defended" as such - then I will explore the various opportunities available to individuals so as to reduce the charges or find some sort of alternative disposition for your case, short of you just pleading guilty.  

The important thing to bear in mind is that, even if you know you made a mistake, that doesn't mean you should be punished severely. You should still have an attorney looking out for your best interests.  Fin that someone who'll effectively argue for leniency and make sure a minor mistake doesn't have to follow you around for the rest of your life.

Doing the Next, Right Thing

I've worked cases like this from both sides of the aisle - formerly as a prosecutor and now as a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.  My insight in to the government's schemes and motivations has helped me to win my clients favorable incomes.  Let me put that inside knowledge to work for you.  Call the Rolloff Law Office today to set up you free, no obligation consultation. 

Let's fight to preserve your rights - and future.