Pennington County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On December 24, 2024, Thomas Murphy was taken into custody and booked into the Pennington County Jail. Murphy’s physical description is as follows: height 5’11”, weight 215 pounds, and blue eyes. At the time of booking, no bail amount was set.
Charges Filed:
Murphy faces two charges related to driving while impaired (DWI):
- Third-Degree DWI: Traffic violation under statute 169A.26.1(b) for refusing to submit to a chemical test. This is classified as a gross misdemeanor.
- Fourth-Degree DWI: Traffic violation under statute 169A.27.1, described as a misdemeanor.
Legal Context:
In Minnesota, DWI offenses are categorized by degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties:
- Fourth-Degree DWI: Considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
- Third-Degree DWI: Classified as a gross misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000.
Aggravating factors, such as refusal to submit to chemical testing, can elevate the severity of the charges.
Next Steps:
Murphy is scheduled to appear in District Court for these charges. Specific court dates and further details will be determined by the court.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me