27
Oct

What is a DRE and Why It is Important?

If you are charged with a marijuana DWI, the State’s manner of proof is far different – and frankly harder – than a standard alcohol-related DWI. The primary reason is that the State is forced to prove actual impairment and cannot r…
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31
Jul

Marijuana DUI Article Quotes James Gempeler

With the legalization of marijuana possession and use on August 1, 2023, there will be a dramatic change and impact on how police enforce these new laws. And with it will come learning curves. A major point of issue will be the inevitable uptick in m…
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31
Mar

DWI Breath Test - The Observation Period

When a driver gets arrested for a DWI, an officer takes them back to the station and requests an official test to determine the driver’s alcohol concentration level. In the vast majority of cases, the test offered is a breath test, administered…
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25
Jan

DWI Test Refusal - Minnesota Laws

When someone is being investigated and ultimately arrested for a Minnesota DWI, the entire process can be overwhelming and confusing. Almost always, the person is asked numerous questions, requested to perform the field sobriety tests, requested to s…
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19
Oct

Innocent Owner Defense in Minnesota

A vehicle subject to forfeiture following a DWI must be returned to an innocent owner under specific circumstances. Effective January 1, 2022, this innocent owner defense will be spelled out in the statute and should – in theory – make th…
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28
Apr

Marijuana DUI - Actual Impairment Required

With 4/20 having come and gone recently, we thought it’d be an appropriate time to discuss the marijuana DUI laws in Minnesota. Certainly, with the likely legalization of marijuana in the not-too-distant future, marijuana DUI’s will becom…
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9
Mar

Penalties for your First DUI in Minnesota

When we talk with new clients who picked up their first DUI, we often get asked about the possible penalties they face. And, what is hard for most to comprehend – at least at first – is that, even for your first DUI, the penalties are bot…
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28
Dec

Questions to Ask Your DUI Lawyer

At North Star Criminal Defense, our attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience. So, needless to say, as DUI lawyers, we’ve seen it all and know how to handle any type of DUI case, from the routine to the complicated. And through this e…
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20
Nov

DWI vs DUI in Minnesota - What's the Difference?

We get a couple common questions asked of us when people are facing DWI charges in Minnesota. First, some people want to know the difference between DWI vs DUI. Second, they are wondering why they are facing two charges for DWI stemming from the same…
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15
Apr

DWI Aggravating Factors - Supreme Court Clarification

The severity of a DWI in Minnesota depends on the number of aggravating factors, if any. If there are none, the DWI is a misdemeanor offense, with no statutory sentencing requirements. If one or more DWI aggravating factors are present, the DWI can b…
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