What Happens if I Passed a Flashing School Bus by Mistake in Minnesota?
Driving down any public road comes with a laundry list of risks and potential considerations and obligations. In the swirl of daily traffic, attention is divided between various road users, bad drivers, pedestrians, and intermittent stops. But the scenario takes a serious turn when a driver unintentionally fails to stop for a school bus brandishing its red flashing lights and activated stop arm—a seemingly minor oversight could transform into a substantial legal issue with consequences much more significant than standard traffic infractions. If you are facing charges for this, make sure you contact an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney immediately. You are likely facing criminal charges.
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Understanding the Seriousness of the Offense
It's important for drivers in Minnesota to understand that missing the signals of a school bus stop arm is worse than simply a traffic ticket; it's a criminal offense taken seriously by law enforcement. The implications are severe because the safety of children is on the line. Any driver who passes a stopped and flashing school bus is not just facing potential fines, jail or both but is also risking the lives of young students.
The Law Regarding School Bus Stop Arm Violations
When charged with such Failing to Stop for a School Bus, it's common for drivers to experience uncertainty and stress and confusion. In fact, most just assume this is just a fine like running a stop sign or speeding.
In Minnesota, in this state, drivers must stop a full 20 feet away from a stationary school bus that is displaying its extended stop sign arm and red flashing lights. This law must be followed until the bus driver completely withdraws the stop arm. The rule applies to all sides of traffic unless a median physically separates the opposing lanes.
Potential Charges
When charged with this offense, drivers need to be aware of what lies ahead. You could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor, depending on various factors surrounding the violation. Some of the potential legal outcomes include:
Misdemeanor: Consequences can involve a criminal conviction, the possibility of incarceration for up to 90 days, and fines up to $1,000.
Gross Misdemeanor: This elevated charge can lead to a criminal conviction, a jail sentence of up to one year, and fines reaching up to $3,000.
Moreover, particular cases might even lead to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Technological Advancements in Enforcement
Times have changed, and so have methods of enforcing this law. High-resolution cameras are now installed on numerous school buses within Minnesota, capturing clear images of the license plates of vehicles that violate the stopping mandate. Because of State grants, schools and transportation companies have worked installed cameras on approximately 7,000 school buses and the numbers are growing. This figure represents approximately 59% of all school buses in Minnesota. According to the government, stop arm cameras play a crucial role in identifying violators and holding them accountable, ensuring the safety of students. This evidence significantly enhances the capability of law enforcement to prosecute those who break the law, making it a more complex scenario for those trying to mount a defense.
The Importance of Expert Legal Representation
Understanding the intricacies of one's legal situation and the possible repercussions is essential when faced with a school bus stop arm violation. Seeking the advice of a seasoned criminal defense attorney is of utmost importance. With the right counsel, your rights can be protected, ensuring the best possible outcome in a difficult situation.
“Handling a case like this incorrectly could result in a criminal record.”
Your Advocate: Jack Rice Defense
At Jack Rice Defense, we are dedicated to assisting you through the intricacies of school bus stop arm violations. Jack Rice, a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with a background as a former CIA Officer and prosecutor, leads with experience and insight. The firm is renowned for crafting solid defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.
An inadvertent mistake shouldn't dictate the rest of your life. For legal support that is as tenacious as it is focused, contact Jack Rice Defense for a complimentary confidential consultation. Please reach out to us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339 without delay. Your legal protection and peace of mind are invaluable, and we stand ready to defend them.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.