Polk County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On January 2, 2025, Minnesota resident John Melvin Sargent Jr., born January 14, 1985, was arrested for third-degree driving while impaired (DWI) under Minnesota Statute 169A.26. This statute classifies third-degree DWI as a gross misdemeanor when one aggravating factor is present during the violation.
In Minnesota, an aggravating factor can include a prior impaired driving incident within the past ten years, an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more, or having a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
A third-degree DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $3,000. Mandatory penalties may apply, including incarceration and long-term monitoring.
As of now, specific details regarding the aggravating factor in Sargent’s case have not been disclosed. The case will proceed through the Minnesota judicial system, where evidence will be presented, and legal determinations made.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me