Category: Criminal Law
Dangerous Driving Reports
October 7, 2013 | Jon P. EricksonTraffic accidents and fatalities are up after years of declining. A recent article in Consumer Reports entitled “Crash Course on Car Safety” indicates that accidents and fatalities are continuing to rise. The Consumer Report article reported that the number of death and injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2012 saw a 5{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} rise after over 5 years of declining numbers. It reported that in 2012 there were 12,872 deaths where the deceased was unbelted, 9,944 deaths where speed was the main factor in the accident, 9,878 deaths of occupants of motor vehicles where the driver’s were intoxicated, and 3,331 deaths identifying distracted driving as the major cause. There were suggestions as to what could be done to bring these numbers down. Most are just common sense, but it did suggest that advances in motor vehicle safety technology can go a long way in reducing the numbers i.e. speed sensors in motor vehicles, ignition interlocks, cars with easy to use and good control systems, and improved voice-command systems. There are of course some simple things we all can do such as slowing down, wear your seat belts, wear a helmet when on a motorcycle, don’t drink and drive and don’t use hand held phones while driving. The article also suggested five easy ways to…
Read MoreLandmark Decision Could Be a Game Changer for DWI Cases
July 15, 2013 | Jon P. EricksonIn April of 2013 the US Supreme Court published its decision in Missouri vs McNeely. This is a landmark decision concerning testing of alcohol in driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. It requires that the police must get a search warrant to take a sample of a person’s blood absent reasonable consent or exigent circumstances. The language in the decision as well as other decisions by both the US and Minnesota Supreme Court suggests that it also applies to urine or breath tests in DWI cases. Attorneys throughout Minnesota have been arguing in the past months that any tests taken in DWI case are now unconstitutional. This also applies to the civil side of these cases concerning the loss of driver’s licenses, the impounding of plates and the like. I have in my office copies of decisions from Judges in six different counties in both the criminal cases and the civil driver’s licenses cases suppressing evidence from breath, urine, and blood tests relying on the decision in Missouri vs McNeely. We at BGS are recommending that if you’ve been charged with a DWI and/or if your driver’s license is being taken away from you because of a DWI arrest, you should talk to one of our attorneys about your rights. There is much that…
Read MoreEmployee Spotlight: Eny Maldonado-Johnson, Paralegal
June 26, 2013 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.BGS Criminal/Personal Injury Paralegal Eny Maldonado Johnson joined the firm in 2008 as part of a firm wide effort to increase our abilities to serve our greater community. She speaks fluent English and Spanish and offers translation skills within our firm, particularly within our Personal Injury and Criminal law practice areas. Eny moved to the United States from Ecuador and now makes her home with her family in Andover, Minnesota. She graduated from North Hennepin Community College in the Spring of 2009 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She offers Spanish/English translation services to all BGS areas of practice, however, she works most closely with Criminal/Personal Injury Attorney Adriel Villarreal who is also fluent in both English and Spanish. We asked Eny to write for our community blog page and she submitted this piece about the importance of volunteerism. Why Volunteer? by Eny Maldonado-Johnson There are many answers to the question, “why is volunteering important?” Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change lives, including your own. Even though this is not something you will get paid for, the benefits can actually be greater than money. It is an important way to create a healthy community. During times of disaster, people need help; if you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the news…
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