One In Seven Minnesota Drivers Has a DWI
DWI arrests are on the rise in Minnesota and according to the Golden Valley Patch it’s evident in the percentage of residents who have such a drunk driving charge on their record. One in seven licensed drivers has a DWI on their record.
In 2008, 173 DWI arrests were made by Golden Valley officers. In 2009 that figure had climbed to 185. In 2010 it was up to 193. Not big jumps, but a gradual steady climb.
In 2009 there were 32,756 motorists arrested for DWI in the state. That’s about 90 each day, an obvious problem.
Officials with local law enforcement do what they can, developing increased patrols and checkpoints. But, they also want the public’s help. “Whether it’s a drunk driver or even just bad weather, drive defensively, keep your eyes open, call us if you suspect someone is driving impaired,” says a crime analyst with the Golden Valley Police Department.
It’s not that unusual for someone to have multiple DWI’s on their record. Though the penalties increase in severity as your convictions mount, there seems to be some drivers who keep coming back to the courts for similar charges.
First degree DWI is the most serious of all DWI offenses under Minnesota law and it’s a felony. This type of charge can haunt you forever, making it difficult to find employment and even harming your personal relationships.
In some situations, a driver accused of DWI may be eligible to receive alcohol treatment through the resources of the court. In this way, the criminal charges could be a blessing in disguise for someone who wants to stop drinking but can’t seem to do it on their own.
Across the state, law enforcement is beefed up to catch people found driving under the influence. So if you choose to drive drunk, it’s largely a matter of time before you are caught. Having an advocate on your side when you are arrested and charged can be a big relief in a situation where it seems like no one is on your side.
If you are facing DWI charges, contact our offices today to discuss the details of your case. We can talk about the options available to you and any treatment or diversion resources within the jurisdiction of your charges.