Polk County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On January 14, 2025, Samuel Eugene Rayburn, a 49-year-old resident of Crookston, Minnesota, was arrested in Polk County. He faces charges of third-degree driving while impaired (DWI) with an alcohol concentration exceeding 0.10% within two hours, in violation of Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1, clause (5).
Legal Context
Under Minnesota law, a third-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor. This charge applies when a driver is found operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving. Aggravating factors, such as a prior DWI offense within the past ten years, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16% or higher, or having a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle, can elevate the offense to a third-degree DWI.
Potential Penalties
If convicted of a third-degree DWI in Minnesota, the penalties may include:
- Up to one year in jail.
- Fines reaching $3,000.
- Mandatory minimum sentences, such as 30 days in jail if a prior DWI offense exists within ten years.
- License revocation for a minimum of one year.
- Possible use of an ignition interlock device.
Next Steps
Mr. Rayburn is expected to appear in court to respond to the charges. The court proceedings will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented and any prior offenses.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me