Sheridan & Dulas Law Blog

Household disputes can get heated in any home, and although disputes are common or even inevitable, they must not lead to violence, abuse or assault. Many people believe they can only be charged with a domestic assault if they physically harm a member of their household, which is incorrect. A person can be also be charged with domestic assault if they put a household member in reasonable fear of bodily harm, even if they never actually touch the other person.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you are likely to be devastated and fearful of what the consequences could be. While domestic assault charges are typically misdemeanor offenses, the collateral consequences of a conviction are equal to and in some instances, more serious than a felony conviction. If you are not a citizen of the United States, a domestic assault conviction will result in your deportation. And even if you are a citizen, a conviction for domestic assault will result in a lifetime ban on the possession of firearms or ammunition. It is important to stay calm and make sure that you are committed to taking rational steps in order to defend yourself and your actions.

Facing serious criminal consequences is only one of the major issues related to a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Minnesota. While offenders may face some time in jail, as well as fines and a criminal record, all of that often proves secondary to another consequence. Losing your license is one of the administrative penalties associated with a DWI conviction or guilty plea.

The length of license suspension is related to the amount of alcohol in someone's body at the time of the arrest, as well as the number of previous offenses. It can range from 30 days for those who plead guilty to a first DWI offense to two years for a second offense, and loss of licensing completely with a third or subsequent charge.

Getting arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is not something that anyone truly wants. In many cases where a person is caught for these violations, it is due to poor judgment. They are good people who put themselves in an unfortunate position. The question then is: should such a person be harangued by the charge for the rest of their life? Is that really the best way to discipline someone and ultimately try to correct their behavior?

The costs associated with a drunk driving charge are so immense that you could easily answer both of those questions with a terse "no." Having a DUI haunt you forever is terrible. The financial costs alone are immense. An impounded car, towing fees, jail fees, court fees, penalties for the charge itself, loss of license, insurance premium increases, post-conviction treatment and therapy - these will all cost the individual a pretty penny, and they will dramatically alter the individual's life.

Being involved in a routine traffic stop can be a stressful and intimidating process. However, attempting to evade a similar situation by fleeing is never advisable and may only further suspicion of wrongdoing. A man has recently been arrested and accused of drunk driving in relation to his alleged involvement in a high speed pursuit in Minnesota.

According to reports, the incident began when authorities received reports of a driver who was exhibiting erratic behavior on a recent Tuesday evening. Upon locating the vehicle in question, officers proceeded to initiate a traffic stop, and assert the driver began to flee. They claim the vehicle reached speeds in excess of 100 mph before it was brought to a halt with use of tire deflation devices.