Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A rural Ogema man is facing new felony DWI charges in district court.
Jonathan Joseph Fossen, 36, is charged with two counts of felony DWI in Becker County District Court.
Traffic Stop
Court records say a deputy stopped Fossen around 6 p.m. on Jan. 10.
The stop happened at County Highway 21 and Crane Road.
The deputy reported a driver’s side headlight was out.
Field Tests and Arrest
The complaint says Fossen’s eyes were bloodshot.
The deputy also noted involuntary eye movements.
The deputy asked if Fossen used any drugs that evening.
Fossen said he had “just smoked,” according to the complaint.
He did not say what he smoked, the complaint says.
The deputy ran field sobriety tests at the scene.
The complaint lists several signs of impairment.
Fossen was arrested on suspicion of DWI, records say.
A blood sample was taken at the Detroit Lakes hospital.
The complaint notes the sample was collected for testing.
Prior Convictions Raise the Charge
Prosecutors allege Fossen has three impaired driving convictions in the past 10 years.
Those prior cases can raise a DWI charge to a felony in Minnesota.
Felony DWI cases can bring prison time and fines.
Penalties depend on the facts and the person’s record.
Fossen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Bail and Release
On Jan. 12, the court set bail or bond at $50,000.
Records say there were no release conditions listed.
Court records say Fossen posted a $50,000 bond the same day.
He was then released without conditions.
Next Hearing
Fossen’s next hearing is scheduled for March 16.
The hearing is set before District Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
Resources
- Read Minnesota’s DWI law: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169A.
- Find court information: Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- Impaired driving safety: NHTSA drunk driving resources.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.