Halloweekend and DUI Arrests: What Every College Student Should Know
By Sullivan Rice
For college students, “Halloweekend” is one of the most anticipated times of the year — a weekend full of costumes, parties, and campus events. But it’s also one of the busiest weekends of the year for police. Every year, law enforcement increases patrols and sobriety checkpoints around college towns, specifically targeting drunk and impaired driving.
If you’re a student planning to celebrate, here’s what you need to know about DUIs, your rights, and how to stay safe this Halloween weekend.
The Reality of DUI Enforcement on Halloweekend
Police departments know that Halloween brings a spike in alcohol-related incidents. Increased patrols often begin on Friday afternoon and continue through early Monday morning. Officers are trained to look for even minor driving mistakes — things like swerving slightly, rolling through a stop sign, or forgetting to signal — as reasons to pull someone over.
Once stopped, they’ll look for signs of impairment: the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech. From there, a DUI investigation can escalate quickly, even if you didn’t think you were over the limit.
What Counts as a DUI in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you can be charged with a DWI (Driving While Impaired) if:
Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or
You are impaired by alcohol or drugs (even legally prescribed ones), or
You refuse a chemical test after being arrested (yes, that’s its own offense).
A first-time DWI can carry serious consequences:
Up to 90 days in jail
Fines up to $1,000
License suspension for up to 90 days
A criminal record that can follow you after graduation
These penalties can affect job opportunities, internships, and even study abroad programs.
Know Your Rights if You’re Stopped
If you’re pulled over this Halloweekend:
Stay calm and polite. Provide your license and registration when asked.
You do not have to answer questions about where you’ve been or how much you’ve had to drink.
You can refuse field sobriety tests (like walking a line or following a pen with your eyes), but refusal of a chemical test after arrest can result in additional charges.
Call an attorney immediately if you’re arrested or asked to take a test.
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve seen how one mistake or misunderstanding can impact a student’s future. Knowing your rights — and exercising them respectfully — can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
How to Stay Out of Trouble
Plan your ride home before you start drinking. Use a rideshare, sober driver, or campus shuttle.
Stay put. If you’re at a friend’s place, crash there instead of driving.
Look out for others. Don’t let friends drive impaired — take their keys if you need to.
Keep an eye on open container laws and public intoxication rules — walking with a drink can still get you cited.
Bottom Line
Halloweekend should be fun — not the weekend you end up with a criminal record. Law enforcement will be out in full force, and DUI arrests can happen to anyone who assumes they’re “fine to drive.”
If you or someone you know is arrested for DWI this weekend, call Jack Rice Defense. We understand how quickly these situations unfold and how much is at stake for students. You deserve experienced legal representation and a strong defense.
Jack Rice Defense, LLC
Trusted. Experienced. Jack’s got your back.
📞 612-227-1339
📍 Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
