Otter Tail County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On January 6, 2025, Justin Michael Hanson, aged 39, was sentenced in Otter Tail County for violating Minnesota Statute 171.24.5, which pertains to driving after cancellation deemed inimical to public safety. This offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota.
Hanson is also facing several active charges with scheduled court appearances on January 15, 2025. These charges include:
- Traffic – DWI – Operate Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Alcohol: Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.1(1), this misdemeanor charge involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
- DWI – Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired: Defined by Minnesota Statute 169A.27.1, this misdemeanor charge refers to driving while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Drugs – 5th Degree – Possess Schedule 1,2,3,4 – Not Small Amount Marijuana: According to Minnesota Statute 152.025.2(1), this felony charge involves the possession of controlled substances classified in schedules 1 through 4, excluding small amounts of marijuana.
- Traffic – DWI – Operate Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Controlled Substance: As per Minnesota Statute 169A.20.1(2), this misdemeanor charge involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
These charges are currently active, with court proceedings pending. Driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety is a serious offense in Minnesota, often resulting from prior violations that lead authorities to deem an individual unfit to hold a driver’s license. Convictions can lead to fines and imprisonment.
Driving while impaired (DWI) offenses in Minnesota carry varying degrees of severity, with fourth-degree DWI being considered a misdemeanor. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and license suspension. Repeat offenses or the presence of aggravating factors can elevate the severity of charges and associated penalties.
Fifth-degree drug possession is a felony in Minnesota, encompassing the possession of certain controlled substances. Convictions can result in significant fines and imprisonment, with the exact penalties influenced by factors such as the type and quantity of the substance, as well as the individual’s prior criminal record.
As the legal process unfolds, Hanson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The upcoming court dates will provide further clarity on the outcomes of these charges.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me