Click here for news from early 2006.
Click here for news from 2005.
St. Paul Pioneer Press Covers Story About New Blood-Alchohol Level Gadgets
In the Wednesday, Nov. 22nd edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Prees there was an article featuring the new steps Hennepin County is taking to crack down on repeat drunk drivers. New technology has made it possible to take blood-alcohol levels that give readings directly to parole officers, or not let a person drive their car until they are under the legal limit....
Former Client Perseveres, Fights and Wins.... in life that is.
Our former client, Roger Huerta, was recently featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. It is a wonderful article about perseverence through hardship, and what wisdom and knowing how to use what your talented in can do for you in life. Everyone has something to contribute to society! We are proud that Mr. Huerta was once a client of ours! Click here for the story from the Pioneer Press.
Chuck Ramsay and Daniel Van Loh Co-Presenters at Ramsey County Bar Association Family Law Section Continuing Legal Education Seminar.
Dan Van Loh and Chuck Ramsay were co-presenters at an October 25, 2006 Continuing Legal Education Seminar to a group of Ramsey County attorneys sponsored by the Family Law Section of the Ramsey County Bar Association. Dan Van Loh is currently serving as co-chair of this section with fellow family law attorney, Michael Black of St. Paul.
Their seminar was titled: "When a Quasi-Civil Proceeding Becomes Criminal. The Interrelation Between Minnesota's Domestic Abuse Statute and Federal Criminal Law" and focused on what state and federal law affected clients faced with Harassment Restraining Orders or domestic Orders for Protection. Specifically, Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Van Loh addressed the possible prohibition of possessing, using, transporting or selling of firearms during the term of the restraining order and possibly a lifetime ban if there has been a criminal conviction.
Click here for a detailed chart of relevant state and federal statutory provisions to cases involving domestic violence. For more information on firearms restrictions, restraining orders or criminal charges, Chuck Ramsay.
Ramsay to become Certified Intoxilyzer Breath Test Operator
Charles Ramsay is scheduled to attend an Intoxilyzer Breath Alcohol Testing course November 10-12, 2006. Court participants use the text, "Intoxilyzer Breath Alcohol Testing - Professional Edition" by Jan Semenoff. The text is described as "the definitive guide to breath alcohol testing using Intoxilyzer products." The program has been accredited by the Criminal Law Specialty Committee of the Law Society of Upper Canada for 26 hours towards the professional development requirement for certification. Click here for more information...
Our Very Own Sharon Osborn is Featured in the Star Tribune
In the October 3rd, 2006 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, attorney Sharon R. Osborn was depicted and quoted in an article about the "Squeaky" problem with the Metro Transit Light Rail System! Through the bold efforts of Ms. Osborn, as the attached article states... "The Squeaky Wheel Will Get the Grease!"
Diet Mixers Make People Drunk Faster
Ian Johnston - Science Correspondent
Diet mixers in alcoholic drinks get people drunk quicker than full-sugar alternatives, scientists have found. Taking a drink with sugar-free versions of mixers, such as tonic water, cola, bitter lemon and lemonade, produces higher blood-alchol levels. These findings were revealed by Dr. Chris Rayner, of the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Austraila, at a conference in the United States...
• Breathalyzers on All Vehicles?
In the April 24th edition of the USA Today, there was an article that raises the question as to whether we will all one day be required to blow before we drive. Sounds crazy; but New York Legislators will consider legislation requiring interlock devices on all cars and trucks by 2009. Click this link to read the rest of the story...
• Tough Minnesota Sentencing Law Not Being Used as Intended
A Saint Paul Pioneer Press article points out a pressing problem: judges are not being as tough on repeat/chronic DWI offenders as a 2002 Minnesota law states they should. "The judges unilaterally are engaged in a pattern of undermining the public's will as to how dangerous this crime is," said Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner. "I don't understand why, approximately half the time, the judges are giving these felons yet another break." Click here for more.
• Chuck Ramsay Fights for University of Minnesota Student
Nate Matousek and two other University of Minnesota wrestlers, charged with crimes. Matousek may have felony charge dropped. Click here for the rest of the story...
• Congratulations are Due!
Cynthia Miller, one of our family law attorneys, was recently elected for a three-year term to the board of directors for the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis. The IHB is a primary care facility which provides comprehensive primary and preventative health care to underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Government Seeks to Overturn Ramsay & DeVore's Appellate Efforts
In the critical case of State v. Bergh, a case argued by Chuck Ramsay, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned our client’s felony DWI conviction. The court ruled that prior out of state convictions could not be used to make a Minnesota DWI charge more severe in most situations. Now prosecutors are attempting to overturn that decision. In doing so, the prosecutors are attempting to use unconstitutionally obtained DWI convictions and license revocations from out-of-state to make DWI charges more severe. Click here to read the story from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Ramsay & DeVore's Appellate Efforts Will help Minnesota Timberwolves' basketball player, Anthony Carter, in His Recent DWI Arrest. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Carter was arrested on early March 3, 2006 on suspicion of drunken driving and was being held in the Hennepin County jail. Carter was stopped in Minneapolis by police. He failed field sobriety tests and eventually tested over the legal limit. Because Carter had a previous DWI in California within the last 10 years, he faces a gross misdemeanor charge. However, in State v. Bergh, in a case argued by Chuck Ramsay, the Minnesota Court of Appeals agreed with our law firm and overturned our client’s felony conviction. The court ruled that prior out of state convictions could not be used to make a Minnesota DWI charge more severe in most situations. Mr. Carter should take advantage of Bergh and move to dismiss the gross misdemeanor charges.
