Category: DUI/DWI Law
How to Stay Safe on Blackout Wednesday
November 20, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
The night before Thanksgiving, known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” has become a dangerous night for driving due to widespread binge drinking. Most college students are home for the holiday and spend Thanksgiving Eve partying with friends. Many adults of all ages also go to the local bar, enjoying the night before their day off from work. Unfortunately, this binge drinking also leads to an increased rate of impaired driving on Thanksgiving Eve. To help protect our community, we’re sharing these tips to help you stay safe on Blackout Wednesday. Don’t Drink and Drive We hope this first one is obvious, but it still needs to be said. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and make driving dangerous for yourself and everyone around you. DUI and DWI charges are also serious matters that could bring jail time, large fines, and license revocation. If you do drink on Blackout Wednesday, have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. This is a vital step to take even if you were planning on driving. Find a ride and come back for your car once you’re sober. Drunk driving causes approximately 11,000 deaths in the United States every year. Drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk. Tell Someone Your Plans If you…
Read MoreDUI/DWI: What to do if you are pulled over
July 18, 2022 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Summertime is here and that means warm weather fun like going to the lake, cookouts, birthday parties, or even a Twins game. It can also mean overindulging when it comes to alcohol. If you do find yourself driving while intoxicated and end up getting stopped by the police, continue reading our blog here for information on DWIs and what you should do when pulled over. First thing’s first We first want to acknowledge that you should not be drinking and driving or taking any substances that will affect your motor skills, as it is against the law and should be avoided at all costs. A charge for a DUI or DWI in Minnesota is not taken lightly and you could potentially face jail time, large fines, and license revocation. More importantly, you keep everyone that shares the roads with you safe and unharmed. So please make sure that you have a designated driver or use a driving service to get you to your destination. Pull over and remain calm When you are first pulled over by an officer, you need to remain calm. We understand this can be a stressful moment, but it is important to stay levelheaded during this situation. When the officer approaches your car, have your ID, registration and insurance…
Read MoreDWI: Can You Refuse a Breath Test?
February 14, 2022 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Should you make the mistake of driving under the influence, there may be a series of penalties coming your way. Many try to avoid the repercussions by refusing a breathalyzer test completely, but this is a crime itself in Minnesota and oftentimes gets you in more trouble. Continue reading to find out what you should do if you are pulled over while driving under the influence. Understanding Minnesota’s Implied Consent Law According to Minnesota Statute § 169A.51, any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle in Minnesota consents to a test of their breath to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Essentially, this law is stating that if you are suspected of driving while under the influence, and you refuse to take a breath test, you can be reprimanded. Some of these penalties for a first-time refusal include a one-year license revocation and jail time. What Happens If You Refuse? The minute you refuse a breath test, the officer is legally required to inform you that the law states that you have already consented by driving, and the refusal is now considered a crime. The officer then must also inform you of your right to speak to an attorney. After you are informed of the law, you…
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