According to a report from Southern Minnesota News, Tierra Monique Birris, a 37-year-old woman from Mankato was arrested and charged with several offenses after a police pursuit that ended in a downtown crash. She was booked into custody at the Blue Earth County Jail. In this article, our Mankato drunk driving defense lawyers provide an overview of the charges filed in this case.
Six Separate Criminal Charges Filed After Suspected DWI Pursuit Crash in Mankato
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office reports that Ms. Briss led police officers on two separate pursuits. During that time, she was allegedly spotted throwing alcoholic beverage containers out of her vehicle. The active pursuit ended in downtown Mankato after the vehicle allegedly operated by Ms. Briss sideswiped multiple cars and collided with a police cruiser. She is now facing the following six criminal charges:
- DWI: Impaired driving is unlawful in Minnesota. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher can be arrested on DWI charges.
- Second Degree Assault: Under Minnesota law, second-degree assault is an assault with a dangerous and deadly weapon. It is a very serious criminal offense that carries significant prison time. Notably, a motor vehicle can qualify as a deadly weapon under the statute.
- Fifth Degree Assault: Less serious than a second-degree assault charge, fifth-degree assault is a misdemeanor assault in Minnesota.
- Fleeing Police: Drivers are required to stop their vehicles when pursued by law enforcement. Fleeing the police is a serious criminal offense in Minnesota.
- First Degree Property Damage: The defendant, in this case, is facing a first-degree property damage charge. This offense is related to the damage that she allegedly caused to other vehicles while under the influence, including to the police cruiser owned by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office.
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Under Minnesota’s vehicle code, drivers are required to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of a crash. Fleeing an accident without providing the information is a criminal offense—except for motorists who need emergency medical care.
All charges filed in this case carry the potential for jail time. Of course, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Every person in Minnesota has the right to raise a legal zealous defense to clear themselves against false or trumped-up criminal charges. You do not have to go up against prosecutors alone: A Southern Minnesota defense lawyer will protect your rights.
Call Our Mankato, MN DWI Defense Attorney Today
At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., our Minnesota DWI defense lawyers are aggressive advocates for justice. If you or your loved one was arrested for a DWI or any related charge, we are more than ready to protect your rights and interests. Call us now at 507-405-2442 or use our online contact form to arrange a confidential evaluation of your legal case. With law offices in Mankato and Rochester, we handle intoxicated driving charges throughout South Minnesota.