Karlstad, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Alan Ivan Hicks faces four charges after a Sept. 12 traffic stop in Kittson County.
The complaint lists two first-degree DWI counts as felonies. It also lists driving after cancellation and an open-bottle charge.
Each felony DWI count carries a maximum seven-year prison term or a $14,000 fine.
The driving-after-cancellation charge is a gross misdemeanor. The open-bottle count is a misdemeanor.
Deputy Reports Seeing Hicks Leave Liquor Store
According to the complaint, a Kittson County deputy was watching traffic in Karlstad around 8:55 p.m.
The deputy reported seeing Hicks enter a liquor store, return with beer, and drive onto Highway 59.
The deputy then stopped Hicks after he turned onto Highway 11.
The complaint says Hicks smelled of alcohol during the stop.
He first denied drinking, then admitted having one or two drinks.
Breath Tests Listed in Complaint
Hicks completed a field eye test, according to the complaint.
The deputy reported four of six possible clues during that test.
Balance tests were not used after Hicks reported knee and hip problems.
A preliminary breath test showed .133, the complaint states.
A second preliminary breath test later showed .134.
During a vehicle search, the deputy reported finding an unopened case of beer.
The deputy also reported finding a partially full cold beer can.
The complaint says Hicks later gave an evidentiary breath sample at the Kittson County Jail.
That test showed an alcohol concentration of .11 at 10:22 p.m.
Charges and Prior Driving History
Prosecutors allege the DWI counts qualify as first-degree charges because of prior impaired-driving incidents.
The complaint lists a 2020 impaired-driving conviction and several 2026 licensing actions.
Hicks is also accused of driving while his license was canceled as inimical to public safety.
The open-bottle count alleges an opened alcoholic beverage was inside the vehicle on a public road.
Readers can review Minnesota’s DWI law, driving license law, and open-bottle law.
The charges are allegations. Hicks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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