Minnesota Drunk Driving Stops (Explained)

Drunk Driving arrests in Minnesota frequently begin with a  traffic stop made by a police officer or state patrol trooper.  After the stop there is generally a sequence of actions taken by the officer if they suspect the driver has violated Minnesota's DWI law.

There are of course, legal and illegal (constitutional and unconstitutional) ways of both initiating a traffic stop and conducting subsequent questioning, testing, etc.  The following is a brief overview of the constitutional issues surrounding typical DWI traffic stop in Minnesota.

If you have any questions about this, your next best step is to contact an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

The Traffic Stop

An officer can make a brief investigatory traffic stop without violating the constitutional prohibition against “unreasonable searches and seizures” if they have “reasonable, articulable suspicion” of criminal activity.  An officer’s observation of a traffic violation, even if insignificant, can provide the officer with an objective and reasonable basis to make a legal traffic stop.

Typical traffic violations which provide a basis for a stop include speeding, not signaling a lane change, and equipment violations.

Initial Questioning

After an officer has made an initial stop, they generally ask the driver a series of questions (e.g. “Are you aware of why I pulled you over?”) and request a driver’s license/identification and vehicle registration information

Field Sobriety Testing (FST)

During the initial questioning in a Minnesota DWI traffic stop, the officer will often make observations of alcohol use and/or intoxication.  These observations frequently include slurred speech, glassy/watery eyes, (strong) odor of alcohol, slow reaction time, and the driver admitting alcohol use prior to driving. If the officer does make these observations, they can provide the basis (reasonable, articulable suspicion that the driver has violated the DWI law) to legally conduct a series of field sobriety tests.  The standard field sobriety tests (SFST) include a series of three tests:  the walk and turn test (WAT); the  one leg stand (balance) test (OLS); and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN).  There are also non-standardized field sobriety tests that the officer may have the driver perform including: the Romberg  (Balance) Test; counting backwards; reciting the alphabet etc.  Failure of the  field sobriety tests can be used by the officer to establish probable cause to arrest the driver for DWI.  (In various areas throughout this blog, I;ve reported on these "tests" --- if I could make one suggestion --- don't agree to perform these tests!)

Portable Breath Test (PBT)

The officer will typically request  a portable breathalyzer test (PBT) from the driver if they fail the field sobriety tests.  The legal basis to request the PBT, however, is the same as for the request for field sobriety testing: “reasonable, articulable suspicicion” that the driver has violated Minnesota DWI law.  This can include the failure of one or more of the field sobriety tests, admissions from the driver of alcohol use, and/or other observations of possible alcohol use and/or intoxication (e.g. glassy eyes, strong odor of alcohol etc.). In addition, like the field sobriety tests, a PBT failure can be used by the officer to establish probable cause to arrest a driver for DWI.  (Like with the FSTs ... don't agree to take this test!)

Arrest

An officer must have probable cause to make a legal arrest of a driver for DWI.  Probable cause in Minnesota exists if a person of ordinary care and prudence holds an “honest and strong” suspicion that arrested party is guilty of a crime.  Probable cause is more than mere suspicion.  The officer can establish probable cause to make a legal arrest with a combination of observations of alcohol use and/or intoxication, statements by the driver indicating alcohol use and/or intoxication, failure of one or more of the field sobriety tests, and/or failure of the PBT test.

What Can Be Done About Illegal Conduct?
The constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.  The remedy for an illegal search and seizure is suppression of the evidence obtained as a result of the illegal search and seizure.

In a typical DWI case as described above, therefore, if the officer illegally made the initial traffic stop or otherwise illegally conducted the questioning, testing and/or arrest, the driver can move the court to suppress evidence that was obtained as a result of that illegal search or seizure.  In Minnesota, this is done at what is know as a “Rasmussen Hearing.”  If the Motion for suppression is granted, the prosecution cannot use the illegally obtained evidence at trial.  This can obviously have a huge impact on the case.  A very positive impact for the defense, and very negative impact for the prosecution.  In fact, the prosecution may dismiss the case and/or offer a very favorable plea agreement  in the event of suppression.

What's Next?

If you or someone you love needs help with a legal issue - like a Minnesota DWI --- call The Rolloff Law Office to set up a FREE CONSULTATION today.  Call (612) 234-1165.

Minnesota Police and the 5th Amendment (Explained)

Based on a number of conversations I've had lately, it appears as though your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, as set forth in the constitution, and Minnesota Law Enforcement's job appear to be more in conflict than ever. Why? Well, the cops know that almost anything you say can hurt your criminal case and as such they'll try stop at nothing to question you.  This is why, before you ever submit to any interrogation by a peace officer you should ask to have your Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney present.

Why Would Anyone - Ever - Talk to the Police?

The problem is when we are accused of and/or even just asked about something we have this natural inclination to try and explain ourselves.  Where this becomes problematic is when law enforcement is involved and we try to convince them that we've done nothing wrong. What you may not know is that many police are: (1) not interested in the truth, and/or (2) already believe the first person who told them their story and, based merely on that, have already made up their minds about what happened.

Seriously,  a sort of "tunnel vision" sets in - and even if you offer a plausible alternative to what they believe has happened - they just won't listen.  Why?  Well, believe it or not the cops are often motivated by factors other than the truth. For example, they may be in a hurry with only a few minutes to spend on a certain case - and they just want to write their report, issue a summons and be done it. At other times, they have a number of open files -  stacked up one after another - so they get lazy. Or, they may not like you for some reason and have no interest in finding another suspect responsible for the crime your accused of committing. Therefore, it is simplest to just charge you --- and maybe the "truth" will get worked out later.  Finally, they may just want a conviction statistic more than they want the truth.

The Real Problem

The number one issue, in my opinion, is that law enforcement all too often believe the first person to call them - and from there on out (once they've talked to their "victim") they make up in their minds about what happened.  And, as a result, they talk with you (or anyone on your side) using that filter - listening only for incriminating statements and interpreting your words in a conviction oriented manner. Honestly, they pretend to want to get at the truth only to keep a suspect talking. Then, they write down all the negative things you say and ignore the positive.

Somehow, individuals accused in criminal cases forget that police are experts in getting convictions and that they are not your friend. Convictions are their job and they are good at it. Only with silence can the accused stop police in their tracks.

What Are You Going to Do?

If you have been contacted by police, exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and call The Rolloff Law Office at (612) 234-1165. Together, we can protect you, your family and your future.