Most attorneys read the police manual; Luke McClure taught it. With years spent training officers at the BCA on how to conduct DWI arrests, we don’t just defend your case—we deconstruct it from the inside out.
There are few criminal defense attorneys who have personal experience making an arrest for DWI. Luke McClure of Refuge Defense spent years in law enforcement where he was certified in operating a breath test machine, experienced in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, and oversaw hundreds of DWI arrests in Minnesota. As a prosecutor, he taught DWI testimony classes at the BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension). This class was part of the required course for any law enforcement certified in the State’s breath testing machine. He conducted trials and did a few appeals as well as contested hearings addressing every stage of DWIs. This experience gives Refuge Defense a huge advantage in helping you with your case.
A good legal analysis of your case means that everything is reviewed to make sure your Constitutional rights were honored.
- Was the encounter with police or stop justified?
- Did they have a valid basis to expand their contact to investigate?
- Did they have enough to make an arrest?
- Did they conduct a search properly?
- Did they follow the requirements of any testing?
- Were you given the correct advisories?
- Was the testing device operating properly and accurately?
- Is further investigation needed?
Sometimes good defenses arise out of mistakes made by law enforcement failing to follow proper procedure. Our justice system is built on the idea that Constitutional rights of individuals are more important than prosecution. In other words, police and prosecutors must follow the rules, or it can be fatal to their case. That said, the DWI laws in Minnesota heavily favor the State and prosecution, experience with the law can mean the difference between fighting a lost cause that may make matters worse, and gaining ground to meet a client’s goals.
Getting a DWI does not mean your life is over. It does not define who you are as a person. Many defense attorneys attempt to appeal to a person’s fear of the unknown. They use the same tactics police use to get confessions to make a sale: “you could be facing 90 days in jail”. Although technically that is the maximum for a misdemeanor DWI, it is misleading nonsense.
Practically speaking, the overwhelming first-time offenders never do any jail time even after being convicted as charged. Fines are hundreds, not thousands. For many, getting a valid license again with the DMV is as much as a hassle as the criminal case.
Refuge is not a place where we want our clients to find peace and hope in spite of your fears. We will never try to add to them. We will give you a practical and honest assessment of your case. We will walk you through the process and explain the law in practical terms. We will come alongside you and help you. It is our job to give our clients legal advice, and it would be your decision on how you want to handle your case.
We will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly. We will guide you to start to make major life changes for your long term good, but you have to want that for yourself. We understand addiction, recovery, and sometimes just making some mistakes, or even being falsely accused.
Our legal fees are very reasonable. We are cost effective for our experience and we bring a team approach to your case.
Refuge Defense isn’t just about the courtroom; it’s about coming alongside you to handle the good, the bad, and the ugly of your case.
Don’t let a mistake define your future. Contact Refuge Defense today for a practical, honest assessment of your DWI case. Call (612) 238-1773