News Item
Ramsey County DWI Court to celebrate 10-year anniversary

Posted: Friday, January 23, 2015

For the past 10 years, the Ramsey County DWI Court has worked to enhance public safety by reducing recidivism among repeat DWI offenders. On Thursday, January 29, district court and justice system officials from Ramsey County, along with DWI Court graduates, will come together to mark the 10-year anniversary of the program and celebrate the success of Minnesota’s oldest DWI Court. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 840 (8th floor) of the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul.

What: Celebration marking the 10-year anniversary of the Ramsey County DWI Court

Who: The event, which is open to the public, will feature several speakers:

  • The Honorable George T. Stephenson, Second Judicial District Assistant Chief Judge and former Ramsey County DWI Court judge
  • Jessica McConaughey, Assistant St. Paul City Attorney and DWI Court Prosecutor
  • Michael Blair, Ramsey County DWI Court graduate (completed the program in 2008)
  • Lynn Schanks, Ramsey County DWI Court graduate (2011)
  • Michael “Mickey” Nehring, Ramsey County DWI Court graduate (2007) 

When: Thursday, January 29, at 2 p.m. The program is expected to last approximately one hour.

Where: Courtroom 840 (8th floor)
             Ramsey County Courthouse (15 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102)

Note: The media may use recording equipment at the event. There will be a designated area for cameras to be positioned at the event. Court Information Office staff will be available at the event to provide assistance.

About the Ramsey County DWI Court

The Ramsey County DWI Court became the first DWI Court program in Minnesota when it was established in January 2005. The program, which is operated through Minnesota’s Second Judicial District, targets non-violent offenders who are charged with at least their third misdemeanor DWI offense. The program is designed to enhance public safety by holding repeat DWI offenders accountable through the use of technology, judicial supervision, chemical dependency treatment, intensive case management, and supplemental services.

Since the program’s inception, 149 offenders have graduated from the program. A recent evaluation of the Ramsey County DWI Court conducted by NPC Research of Portland, Oregon, found that offenders who successfully completed the program had re-arrest rates nearly 60% lower than similar offenders who experienced traditional court processes after two years of program entry. More information on the Ramsey County DWI Court is available here.