Nicole’s client was arrested following a car accident in the City of Blaine, Anoka County. He was arguing with a passenger in his car, and they grabbed the steering wheel and caused the car to crash into a sound barrier on the side of the highway.
Nicole’s client was charged with two counts of gross misdemeanor Third-Degree Driving While Impaired with aggravating factors, because he had a blood alcohol concentration of .193. Additionally, when the police searched Nicole’s client and his vehicle, they discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle as well as a handgun on his person. This resulted in three additional misdemeanor charges for Possession of Small Amount of Marijuana in a Motor Vehicle – Over 1.4 grams; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Carrying a Pistol While Under the Influence of Alcohol – Alcohol Concentration 0.10 or More.
Nicole helped her client take several proactive steps prior to going to court. Specifically, a Chemical Dependency Evaluation was completed; he attended a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panel; and registered for a DWI and a gun safety class. As a result, Nicole was able to negotiate a very favorable resolution with the prosecutor. Nicole’s client pled guilty to a reduced charge of Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired, a misdemeanor. The remaining four charges were dismissed. Nicole’s client was placed on probation for two years and, apart from the day following his arrest, received no executed jail time.