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Defending the alcohol-related driving charge had been a formidable challenge for years before the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice initiated its national seminar 19 years ago. The challenge is now dramatically amplified. Legislatures have lowered per se alcohol concentration limits to .08 (and even .04 for some situations), criminalized test refusal, enhanced criminal penalties, and summarily impacted livelihoods and life’s freedoms by administratively seizing driving privileges and license plates, sometimes using technology and theory that lack the credibility of real science. At the same time, courts are eager to accept prosecutors’ arguments that erosion of the Bill of Rights is necessary to stem the "carnage" on the highways.

The defense lawyer must be prepared to aggressively challenge every phase of a drinking driving prosecution. The objective of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice is to find and develop theories and techniques to confront these significant assaults on personal freedoms.

The 19th Annual "Getting Tough on Drunk Driving: The Defense" seminar will feature a spectacular line-up of speakers. This year’s faculty will fly in from all over the United States to present the latest updates and strategies for the criminal defense attorney specializing in DWI cases. From the original breath test to closing arguments, you will come away with significant information for use in your own private practice. John Watkins and Ellen Bezian will return to present the latest information on the Jessica Williams trial that impacted the laws on controlled substance use while driving a motor vehicle.

This year’s seminar will feature as the luncheon speaker Judge Cheryl Johnson, a member of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.