Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing two criminal charges after a case filed in Beltrami County District Court.
According to the complaint, Neil Duncan McLean, 45, was charged after an incident on April 8, 2026. Prosecutors filed one felony count and one gross misdemeanor count. The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.
Charges Filed In Court
The most serious charge is first-degree DWI refusal. Court records say McLean refused a chemical test of blood and urine. The complaint says the test was required by a search warrant.
The filing also states McLean has a prior felony DWI conviction. That prior conviction raises the new DWI refusal charge to a felony level.
McLean also faces a second charge. Prosecutors accuse him of driving after cancellation that was deemed inimical to public safety. The complaint says he knew, or had reason to know, his driving privileges had been canceled.
Possible Penalties
The felony DWI refusal charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. It also carries a possible fine of up to $14,000. The court may impose both penalties.
The second charge is a gross misdemeanor. That count carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.
What Happens Next
The case is listed under Court File No. 04-CR-26-823. The filing includes an order of detention. Formal court proceedings will now move ahead in Beltrami County.
Criminal charges are only allegations at this stage. McLean is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Readers can review Minnesota court information through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The statutes tied to this case can also be reviewed through the Minnesota Revisor’s Office, including DWI law and driving after cancellation law.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.