Justin Ryan Finch Arrested in Otter Tail County for Second-Degree DWI, Chemical Test Refusal, and Driving After Cancellation

Otter Tail County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—Authorities in Otter Tail County have confirmed the arrest of Justin Ryan Finch, 31, on February 4, 2025, for multiple traffic-related charges, including second-degree DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.

Charge Details:

1. Traffic – DWI – Refuse to Submit to Chemical Test (Blood or Urine as Required by Search Warrant) (Minnesota Statute 169A.20.2(2))
2. Traffic – Second-Degree DWI – Refuse to Submit to Chemical Test (Minnesota Statute 169A.25.1(b))
3. Traffic – Driving After Cancellation – Inimical to Public Safety (Minnesota Statute 171.24.5)**

Legal Consequences:

• Second-Degree DWI (Gross Misdemeanor):
  • Up to 1 year in jail,
  • Fines up to $3,000,
  • Longer license revocation, and
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture [1].
• Refusing to Submit to a Chemical Test (Gross Misdemeanor):
  • Up to 1 year in jail,
  • Fines up to $3,000, and
  • Automatic license suspension under Minnesota’s implied consent law [2].
• Driving After Cancellation (Inimical to Public Safety) (Gross Misdemeanor):
  • Up to 1 year in jail,
  • Fines up to $3,000, and
  • Further license restrictions for repeated offenses [3].

Finch’s refusal to submit to a chemical test escalated his DWI charge to second-degree, which carries harsher penalties than a standard first-time offense. The “inimical to public safety” designation means Finch’s driving privileges were revoked due to a history of dangerous driving behavior.

Finch remains in custody awaiting his District Court hearing, where a judge will determine potential sentencing and fines.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me.

Inmate Details:

• Name: Justin Ryan Finch
• Gender: Male
• Age: 31
• Booking Date: February 4, 2025
• Jail: Otter Tail County Jail
• Charges:
  • DWI – Refuse to Submit to Chemical Test (Blood or Urine as Required by Search Warrant) (GM {169A.20.2(2)})
  • Second-Degree DWI – Refuse to Submit to Chemical Test (GM {169A.25.1(b)})
  • Driving After Cancellation – Inimical to Public Safety (GM {171.24.5})
• Bail Amount: $0.00
• Court Date: Pending
• Court Branch: District Court