What You Need to Know About Minnesota’s Holiday Drunk Driving Campaign, According to Minneapolis DWI Lawyer Xavier Martine

The campaign is well-timed, said criminal defense lawyer Xavier Martine of Martine Law, PLLC, in Minneapolis. “People are going to be going to more office parties and family get-togethers during this time,” Martine noted. “It’s a fantastic time of year for family and friends to celebrate, but unfortunately, the holiday season also leads to more instances of drinking and driving. ”The facts and figures certainly support that idea. According to a DPS report, more than 12,000 DWIs were issued between the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve over the last five years. Additionally, DWI incidents in Minnesota within the last five years have more than doubled over the previous five years. When it comes to staying safe—and avoiding the nasty stain a DWI can leave on your record—Martine says it’s important to remember the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” “In order to avoid tough legal consequences and possibly even causing severe injury or worse to yourself and others, it’s best to plan ahead, so you aren’t faced with deciding whether to get behind the wheel after holiday celebrations,” he said.

Minnesota Law Enforcement’s Response to Increased DWI Incidents

Starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, additional DWI enforcement measures went into place, and they’ll continue through New Year’s Eve. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers—whether impaired by alcohol or another substance—in order to promote driver safety. Law enforcement officials have issued the orders for increased police presence on Minnesota roadways for a sobering purpose—to save lives. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 620 traffic deaths in the North Star State that were related to drunk driving. In addition, another 377 life-altering serious injuries occur every year on the roads due to alcohol-related crashes.

Plan Ahead for Holiday Parties

Just like you plan your party wear and pick out your gifts ahead of time, you should take steps before any holiday celebrations begin to ensure you have a safe way to get home. “The best way to avoid hurting others on the road or getting charged with a DWI is to refrain from drinking or using drugs if you plan to drive,” said Martine. “If you do plan on partaking in the celebration, designate a sober driver, use a safe ride service, and always buckle up!”

Know Your Rights When You’re Charged with a DWI in Minnesota

However, if you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested for a DWI in Minneapolis, it’s important to remember that you have rights. The consequences that come along with a DWI conviction go beyond jail time and fines. “You should assert your constitutional rights immediately,” said Martine. “A DWI conviction has serious and lasting effects, including jeopardizing future employment opportunities, housing, and even the ability to get credit.”

About Martine Law, PLLC

Martine Law is a Minnesota law firm that aims to provide quality legal services to individuals during their most pressing times of need. Serving clients in Minneapolis, Saint Cloud, and surrounding areas, Attorney Xavier Martine and his team of experienced lawyers and legal staff help people with the utmost standards of integrity and professional excellence. The law office provides legal services in multiple practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, and immigration law. Contact a top Minneapolis attorney today by calling Martine Law for a case review. You can also visit the law office at one of four Minnesota locations:

• Main location — 310 S 4th Ave, Suite 1050, Minneapolis, MN 55415
• Lake Elmo office — 8530 Eagle Point Blvd., Suite 100, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
• White Bear Lake office — 4525 White Bear Pkwy., Suite 205, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
• Maple Grove Office — 11670 Fountains Dr., Suite 200, Maple Grove, MN 55369

About Martine Law, PLLC

Martine Law is a Minnesota law firm that aims to provide quality legal services to individuals during times of need. Serving clients in Minneapolis, Saint Cloud, and surrounding areas, Attorney Xavier Martine and his team of experienced lawyers and legal staff help people with the utmost standards of integrity and professional excellence.
The law office provides legal services in multiple practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, and immigration law. Contact a Minneapolis attorney today by calling Martine Law for a case review.

You can also visit the law office at one of four Minnesota locations: 
Main location — 310 S 4th Ave,, Suite 1050, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Lake Elmo office — 8530 Eagle Point Blvd., Suite 100, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
White Bear Lake office — 4525 White Bear Pkwy., Suite 205, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Maple Grove Office — 11670 Fountains Dr., Suite 200, Maple Grove, MN 55369