Driving Offenses - Archive - Ambrose Law Firm, PLLC

01 11 '19

Minnesota’s Hands-Free Law: No Texting and Driving

In August, Minnesota joined 19 other states and enacted a hands-free law making it illegal to handle your phone while driving. This new law goes beyond the basic no texting and driving rules that were already in place. In essence if you are driving a motor vehicle you cannot have your cellphone or any wireless…

13 06 '16

Leaving a Known Drug House – as a Single Factor – is Not a Legal Basis to Expand Search: State v. Schmidt

In State v. Schmidt, a police officer was patrolling the area of a known drug house. The officer noticed Schmidt’s vehicle parked at the house and knew Schmidt did not have a valid driver’s license. The officer waited for Schmidt to leave the house and initiated a traffic stop. The officer then peppered Schmidt with…

17 05 '16

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules on a DWI Stop Issue – Finds Reasonable Suspicion

d Why did the Minnesota Supreme Court publish an opinion on a stop issue in a routine DWI case last week in State v. Morse? Stop issues are often challenged at the district court level; and sometimes taken to the court of appeals. But the Minnesota Supreme Court? Unlike the court of appeals, it does…

30 04 '16

When Do You Need Whiskey Plates?

24 04 '16

Recapping U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Bernard v. Minnesota

“What is wrong with a Breathalyzer test when it can save lots of lives…?”[1] “[A Breathalyzer] is about as uninvasive as a search can possibly be…”[2] “Suppose you could set up a system where somebody could be reached within 10 or 15 minutes, and they would, in almost all circumstances, give a warrant.” “…[w]hat would…

14 04 '16

Potential Offenses for Texting and Driving

06 04 '16

Can You Get a DWI by Sleeping in Your Car?

04 04 '16

Bills Introduced Expanding Ignition Interlock in DWI Cases

Recently, the House introduced two bills that would drastically increase the use of ignition interlock[1] devices across Minnesota. HF 1112 aims to require ignition interlock for all DWI offenses; and, HF 2690 would do so for all repeat DWI offenders. The latter seems more realistic, while the former is overly optimistic. Currently, Minnesota only requires drivers…

15 02 '16

Should I Challenge My DWI Case?

05 02 '16

Your Right to Talk to an Attorney During a DWI Arrest in Minnesota

In “all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to have the assistance of counsel.”[1] Any traffic stop can be unnerving for most people. When pulled over on the side of the road, you may sense your pulse increasing. What is going to happen? If you believe the cop is going…