St. Paul DWI Defense: Understanding Articulable Suspicion in Traffic Stops
Being stopped for suspected drunk driving in St. Paul can be overwhelming and intimidating. In Minnesota, officers don’t have the authority to pull someone over on a hunch. They must be able to point to articulable suspicion—specific, observable facts that justify the stop. This is often the first major issue in a DWI case in Ramsey County, and if the stop wasn’t lawful, the entire case may be in jeopardy. If you are facing DWI charges, call for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“Our offices are here in St. Paul and we have been successfully handling DWIs here since the 1990s. Let us stand beside you.”
What Does Articulable Suspicion Mean?
“Articulable suspicion” is a legal term that requires law enforcement to clearly explain why they believed a driver might be violating the law. In St. Paul, this might mean:
Swerving across lanes on I-94 or I-35E
Running stop signs near Grand Avenue or West 7th Street
Driving without headlights late at night
Nearly colliding with parked cars or curbs
Unusually slow driving through downtown
If the officer can’t provide these details, then the stop itself may be unconstitutional. That could mean the breath test, blood test, or field sobriety test evidence that followed should not be admissible in court.
Why This Matters in DWI Cases
In Ramsey County, a first-time DWI conviction can result in heavy fines, possible jail time, license suspension, and mandatory education programs. For repeat offenders, the penalties increase significantly, including longer license revocations, vehicle forfeiture, and even prison time. Challenging the initial stop can sometimes make the difference between conviction and dismissal.
“Our years of experience are only matched by our additional training and our passion for defending our clients.”
How Jack Rice Defense Protects You
At Jack Rice Defense, we examine every moment of your case—starting with the legality of the stop. Jack Rice is a former prosecutor, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a Super Lawyer, and one of the Best Lawyers in Minnesota. He has decades of courtroom experience and is a nationally recognized legal analyst who regularly appears on Court TV and other media outlets.
Jack has built his reputation on fighting aggressively for clients who feel powerless against the system. If your rights were violated during a stop in St. Paul, we will challenge that evidence and fight to protect your future.
If you are facing DWI charges in St. Paul or Ramsey County, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
