Clearwater County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On December 28, 2024, at 12:34 AM, law enforcement in Clearwater County, Minnesota, arrested 36-year-old Raymond Auginaush Jr. He faces charges under Minnesota Statutes 169A.20.1(1) and 169A.20.1(8) for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and cannabis or hemp products, including artificial CBD/THC. Additionally, he is charged under Statute 171.24.2 for driving after his license was revoked.
Charges:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI) – Alcohol: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is prohibited by Minnesota law. A first-time offense is classified as a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Driving While Impaired (DWI) – Cannabis/Controlled Substances: Minnesota law also prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of controlled substances, including cannabis products. Penalties mirror those for alcohol-related DWIs, with a first offense considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Driving After Revocation (DAR): Operating a vehicle after one’s driver’s license has been revoked is a misdemeanor in Minnesota. Convictions can result in up to 90 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000. Additionally, a DAR conviction may lead to an extension of the revocation period.
Minnesota enforces strict impaired driving laws to enhance road safety. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, but drivers can be arrested for DWI at lower levels if impairment is evident. Similarly, driving under the influence of cannabis or other controlled substances is illegal, regardless of the amount consumed.
Driving after license revocation is a serious offense in Minnesota. Individuals caught driving with a revoked license face misdemeanor charges, potential jail time, fines, and further extension of the revocation period. It’s essential for drivers to ensure their licenses are valid before operating a vehicle to avoid such penalties.
This arrest underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the consequences of impaired driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license in Minnesota.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me