The state of Minnesota is very tough on drunk driving, and authorities right in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas take their duties very seriously when it comes to fighting drunk driving. According to a recent report by MPR, more than 1,500 drivers were arrested statewide on DWI charges in recent weeks alone. Police around the state ramped up their efforts from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2, leading to the massive number of arrests.
It is nothing new for police to crack down on drunk driving at this time of year, as a large number of drunk driving accidents tend to take place around holiday weekends and in the month of September.
What the MPR story does not note is that not all 1,556 people who are now facing DWI charges as a result of the sweep will be convicted. Police do make mistakes, particularly during periods of heightened enforcement when there may be an increased sense of urgency to make arrests.
DWI arrests basically hinge on two things – the observations of police officers and the results of breath tests. Both of these can be flawed.
Those who are facing DWI charges in the Twin Cities should be aware that they have rights and that it is possible to protect them. It is often possible to successfully fight a DWI charge or to pursue other options that will result in the best possible outcome, given the details of the case. Defendants of DWI charges may benefit from legal representation.
Source: MPR, “Police push nabs over 1,500 drunk drivers” Cody Nelson, Sept. 13, 2013
