Beltrami County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On December 30, 2024, Wayde Minter, a 42-year-old white male, was taken into custody by the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. Minter stands 6 feet tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. He is currently held at the Beltrami County Jail without bail.
Charge Details:
- Case Number: 24-022058
- Charge: Violation of Minnesota Statute 169A.26.1(a) – Traffic – DWI – Third-Degree Driving While Impaired; one aggravating factor.
- Severity: Gross Misdemeanor
- Bail Amount: $0.00
- Court Information: District Court; specific court date pending.
Understanding Third-Degree DWI in Minnesota:
In Minnesota, a third-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor. This charge applies when a driver is arrested for DWI with one aggravating factor present, such as a prior DWI offense within ten years, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16% or higher, or refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Potential Penalties:
- Incarceration: Up to one year in jail, with a mandatory minimum of 30 days if a prior DWI offense exists within ten years.
- Fines: Up to $3,000.
- License Revocation: One-year revocation, with potential eligibility for limited driving privileges through the ignition interlock program.
- Additional Consequences: Possible vehicle forfeiture, license plate impoundment, and mandatory chemical dependency assessment.
Next Steps:
Minter is scheduled to appear in District Court; the specific date is yet to be determined. During this hearing, formal charges will be presented, and bail conditions may be reviewed. Given the severity of a third-degree DWI charge, individuals in similar situations are advised to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of Minnesota’s DWI laws.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me