Polk County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On December 27, 2024, Patrick Charles Sparhawk, born July 21, 1971, was charged with third-degree driving while impaired (DWI) in Minnesota. The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, subdivision 1(a), which classifies a DWI offense as third-degree if one aggravating factor is present at the time of the violation.
In Minnesota, an aggravating factor can include a prior impaired driving incident within the past ten years, having an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more, or having a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
A third-degree DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota, which carries more severe penalties than a misdemeanor. Potential consequences include higher fines, longer jail time, and mandatory participation in alcohol assessment and treatment programs.
As of now, specific details regarding the aggravating factor in Sparhawk’s case have not been disclosed. The case is expected to proceed through the Minnesota court system, where further information may become available.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me