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Charlie Rooney

Charlie Rooney

J.D. from University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude

Former prosecutor for County Attorney’s Office

Clerked for the Chief Judge of Hennepin County

Eric Nelson

Eric Nelson

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2022)

Named one of the TOP 40 UNDER 40 by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

"Rising Star" from 2004-2013

"Super Lawyer" 2014, 2015 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

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Debbie Lang

Debbie Lang

Top 100 National Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

Super Lawyer (2020-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2012, 2014-2017)

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Dave Risk

Dave Risk

Super Lawyer (2014-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008-2011)

J.D. William Mitchell College of Law magna cum laude graduate

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Christina Zauhar

Christina Zauhar

Up & Coming Attorney (Minnesota Lawyer 2017)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Member of Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice (2021-present)

Member of Minnesota Women Lawyers (2012-present)

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Marsh Halberg

Marsh Halberg

Top Six Criminal Defense Attorneys (Mpls/St. Paul Magazine)

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2011 & 2017)

Super Lawyer (1997-Present)

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

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Lucas Dawson

Lucas Dawson

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force - Remedies Subcommittee Chair 2022

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force Member 2021 - 2022

Requested speaker at Minnesota CLEs

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Zach Graham

Zach Graham

J.D. St. Thomas School of Law, cum laude

Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Achieved successful outcomes for clients in district court and on appeal

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Blood Tests for DWIs

HomePractice AreasBlood Tests for DWIs

There have been drastic changes in Minnesota for how officers obtain the blood from suspects accused of driving while impaired. For incidents occurring after July 1, 2017, officers must choose whether to read a DWI suspect the Implied Consent Breath Test Advisory or attempt to obtain a warrant for a sample of the suspect’s blood.  

Prior to July 1, 2017,  officers would have discretion as to which of the three tests – breath, blood or urine – would be offered to a DWI suspect. With the 2017 changes, an officer can still charge a DWI suspect with criminal refusal upon that suspect’s refusal to take a breath test. However, under the new law, a DWI suspect cannot be charged with criminal refusal for refusing to submit a blood sample unless the officer first obtains a search warrant and a blood or urine test is first offered (and refused).

The changes to Minnesota DWI law stem from a decision by the United States Supreme Court. They concluded that it is unconstitutional to criminalize the act of refusing to submit to a warrantless blood search. As you can see - DWI Law in Minnesota continues to change at a rapid pace.  Because of this it is important you reach out to an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney to help you navigate your case.  Give one of the attorneys at Halberg Criminal Defense a call to discuss your case. 

Contact us for a free consultation

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