Otter Tail County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On January 11, 2025, James Howard Hoff, aged 71, was arrested in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. He faces charges for operating a motor vehicle after his driver’s license was canceled due to being deemed inimical to public safety.
In Minnesota, driving after license cancellation is addressed under statute 171.24, subdivision 5. This statute stipulates that an individual is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if they operate a motor vehicle after their driver’s license has been canceled or denied on the grounds of being inimical to public safety.
A license can be canceled as inimical to public safety following multiple offenses, such as repeated instances of driving under the influence (DUI). For example, a third DUI offense within ten years can lead to such a cancellation. To reinstate driving privileges, individuals are typically required to complete a chemical use assessment, enroll in a treatment program, and participate in the ignition interlock program, among other conditions.
Driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety is considered a serious offense in Minnesota. Penalties for this violation can include up to a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. Additionally, individuals may face extended periods without driving privileges and mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs.
As of the latest available information, Hoff remains in custody at the Otter Tail County Jail. Details regarding his bond amount and projected release date are not publicly disclosed at this time. It’s important to note that an arrest does not imply guilt; individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me