Category: DUI/DWI Law
Parent Liability for Alcohol at Prom and Graduation Parties in Minnesota
May 11, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Prom and graduation season is a time for many teens to celebrate and have fun. Unfortunately, alcohol-related accidents among teens are also more common during this time. If you are a parent hosting a prom afterparty or graduation open house this spring, you are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for attendees. Providing alcohol to teens at these events can expose you to serious criminal and civil liability. Understanding Minnesota’s laws around underage drinking is essential for any parent hosting a prom party, graduation party, or similar event. Minnesota’s Law on Providing Alcohol to Underage Individuals In Minnesota, it is unlawful for any person to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or to knowingly allow underage alcohol consumption to occur on premises under their control. This means parents can be held responsible not only for alcohol they hand out directly, but also for alcohol they allow minors to consume at their event, regardless of who brought it. Exception for Parents Minnesota law does include a limited exception: A parent or legal guardian may provide alcohol to their own child for consumption exclusively within their household. This exception does not apply to: Friends of your child Guests at a graduation party Alcohol consumed on party buses, in hotels, or at other…
Read MoreUnderstanding Vanessa’s Law for Teen Drivers in Minnesota
January 21, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Minnesota teen drivers who are convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation are subject to a penalty that would bar them from driving until they are at least 18 years old. This penalty is due to Vanessa’s Law. If you or your child are at risk of losing driving privileges because of Vanessa’s Law, an attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome. What Is Vanessa’s Law in Minnesota? Vanessa’s Law is a Minnesota statute that restricts driving privileges for teens convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation. Teens penalized under Vanessa’s Law cannot obtain a driver’s license until they are at least 18. There are slight differences in how the law applies to unlicensed teens versus teens with provisional licenses, which we’ll explain below. Vanessa’s Law was passed in May of 2004, one year after Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before turning 16. Vanessa was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old. Vanessa’s Law was named in her memory and aims to protect people from injuries and fatal accidents caused by teen drivers. How Vanessa’s Law Applies to Unlicensed Teens Unlicensed teens convicted of a crash-related moving violation or alcohol/controlled substance violation cannot receive a license, provisional license, or instruction permit…
Read MoreHow 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…
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