Many states have some version of a “civil” detention law. But few states are as expansive or restrictive as Minnesota’s. Earlier this month, a federal appeals courts upheld Minnesota’s restrictive detention law. The appeals court reversed the lower court decision,...
Month: January 2017
What is the impact of a DUI for an underage driver? Part 1
It is important to note that state laws vary wildly regarding minors and criminal punishment. What applies in one state may not apply in another. Therefore, this post seeks to discuss broad trends in criminal penalties for minors convicted of DUIs. Kids are bound to...
Probation and DUIs
Probation is a type of release from incarceration. Probation, unlike parole, is granted instead of incarceration. You continue to “serve” your sentence, but you get to do it from the comfort of your home and your normal life (subject to some restrictions). Probation...
Police are getting creative to prevent holiday DUIs
Police are well aware that drinking and driving rates spike around the holidays, especially after Thanksgiving. To combat this trend, some police departments are employing creative tactics to discourage holiday drunken driving. This post will go over some of the...
Baltimore program favors drug treatment over jail sentence
In the U.S., there is a lot of stigma attached to drug addiction. "Why can't he just stop using?" or "Why is she making these choices?" are common questions we hear after someone on drugs gets into legal trouble. The truth of the matter, though, is that the answers...
Judge in Brock Turner case cleared of misconduct
You are probably familiar with the Brock Turner case; he was charged with sexual assault after he was found copulating with an unconscious young woman. While Mr. Turner was found guilty by the jury, the judge sentenced him to less than a year in jail. The case...